UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 29, 2017
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
 
to
 
Commission file number 1-32545
DSW INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
 
31-0746639
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
810 DSW Drive, Columbus, Ohio
 
43219
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (614) 237-7100
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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. þ  Yes o  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). þ  Yes o  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 an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
þ
 
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. o  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o  Yes þ  No
    
Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of May 19, 2017 : 72,534,882 Class A Common Shares and 7,732,807 Class B Common Shares.



DSW INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

All references to "we," "us," "our," "DSW Inc.," or the "Company" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q mean DSW Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. DSW refers to the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com. We own many trademarks and service marks. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain trademarks, trade dress, and tradenames of other companies. Use or display of other parties' trademarks, trade dress or tradenames is not intended to and does not imply a relationship with the trademark, trade dress or tradename owner.



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
Net sales
$
691,102

 
$
681,267

Cost of sales
(495,873
)
 
(476,910
)
Operating expenses
(153,264
)
 
(154,196
)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability
(1,084
)
 
(1,445
)
Operating profit
40,881

 
48,716

Interest expense
(47
)
 
(49
)
Interest income
608

 
570

Interest income, net
561

 
521

Non-operating income (expense)
(1,504
)
 
164

Income before income taxes and loss from Town Shoes
39,938

 
49,401

Income tax provision
(15,665
)
 
(19,078
)
Loss from Town Shoes
(1,306
)
 
(309
)
Net income
$
22,967

 
$
30,014

Basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.29

 
$
0.37

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.28

 
$
0.36

Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
 
 
 
Basic shares
80,217

 
81,953

Diluted shares
80,732

 
82,705


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited and in thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
Net income
$
22,967

 
$
30,014

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
(4,120
)
 
12,149

Unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($55) and $117, respectively)
56

 
126

Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income (net of tax benefit of $65)
1,580

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
(2,484
)
 
12,275

Total comprehensive income
$
20,483

 
$
42,289


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


2


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited and in thousands)
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
79,673

 
$
110,657

 
$
59,462

Short-term investments
174,193

 
98,530

 
97,612

Accounts receivable
15,545

 
18,456

 
15,239

Accounts receivable from related parties
1,320

 
550

 
58

Inventories
575,171

 
499,995

 
563,317

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
36,226

 
31,074

 
32,165

Prepaid rent to related parties
4

 
4

 
1

Total current assets
882,132

 
759,266

 
767,854

Property and equipment, net
374,320

 
375,251

 
373,979

Long-term investments

 
77,904

 
80,456

Goodwill
79,689

 
79,689

 
80,684

Deferred income taxes
16,287

 
14,934

 
21,217

Long-term prepaid rent to related parties
741

 
768

 
848

Equity investment in Town Shoes
13,705

 
15,830

 
18,389

Note receivable from Town Shoes
52,928

 
53,121

 
50,618

Intangible assets
34,044

 
35,108

 
40,614

Other assets
17,618

 
16,605

 
22,331

Total assets
$
1,471,464

 
$
1,428,476

 
$
1,456,990

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
212,821

 
$
185,497

 
$
196,698

Accounts payable to related parties
790

 
774

 
821

Accrued expenses
135,758

 
130,334

 
125,766

Total current liabilities
349,369

 
316,605

 
323,285

Non-current liabilities
142,519

 
141,179

 
142,693

Contingent consideration liability
34,288

 
33,204

 
57,445

Total liabilities
526,176

 
490,988

 
523,423

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares paid-in capital, no par value; 250,000 Class A Common Shares authorized; 85,126, 85,038 and 84,493 issued, respectively; 72,535, 72,447 and 74,282 outstanding, respectively; 100,000 Class B Common Shares authorized, 7,733 issued and outstanding
949,645

 
946,351

 
932,702

Preferred shares, no par value; 100,000 authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost, 12,591, 12,591 and 10,211 outstanding, respectively
(316,531
)
 
(316,531
)
 
(266,531
)
Retained earnings
353,592

 
346,602

 
300,817

Basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity
(24,993
)
 
(24,993
)
 
(24,993
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(16,425
)
 
(13,941
)
 
(8,428
)
Total shareholders' equity
945,288

 
937,488

 
933,567

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,471,464

 
$
1,428,476

 
$
1,456,990


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited and in thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:  
 
 
 
Net income
$
22,967

 
$
30,014

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
20,872

 
19,753

Stock-based compensation expense
3,609

 
3,657

Deferred income taxes
(1,232
)
 
598

Loss from Town Shoes
1,306

 
309

Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability
1,084

 
1,445

Loss on disposal of long-lived assets
63

 
160

Loss on foreign currency transactions
1,462

 

Amortization of investment discounts and premiums
133

 
536

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
2,141

 
1,790

Inventories
(75,176
)
 
(48,929
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(6,833
)
 
5,886

Accounts payable
26,786

 
(18,653
)
Accrued expenses
4,428

 
13,742

Other
5,708

 
(494
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
7,318

 
9,814

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Cash paid for property and equipment
(18,314
)
 
(26,039
)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
(54,700
)
 
(24,024
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments
54,036

 
151,793

Additional borrowings by Town Shoes
(5,689
)
 
(6,641
)
Acquisition of Ebuys

 
(60,411
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(24,667
)
 
34,678

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
328

 
243

Net change in vendor payment program
898

 

Cash paid for income taxes for stock-based compensation shares withheld
(643
)
 
(1,042
)
Dividends paid
(15,977
)
 
(16,337
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(15,394
)
 
(17,136
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(32,743
)
 
27,356

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
115,311

 
40,171

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period
$
82,568

 
$
67,527

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
$
23,947

 
$
12,739

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Property and equipment purchases not yet paid
$
5,092

 
$
4,817

Ebuys contingent purchase price
$

 
$
56,000


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


1 .    BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Business Operations- DSW Inc., an Ohio corporation, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the destination for fabulous footwear brands and accessories at a great value every single day. We offer a wide assortment of brand name dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories for women, men and kids. We conduct business in two reportable segments: the DSW segment ("DSW"), which includes DSW stores and dsw.com, and the Affiliated Business Group ("ABG") segment.

The ABG segment partners with three other retailers to help build and optimize their in-store and online footwear businesses. ABG supplies merchandise for the shoe departments of Stein Mart, Gordmans, and Frugal Fannie's. On March 13, 2017 , Gordmans filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and announced its plan to liquidate inventory and other assets. The filing and liquidation sale is subject to the oversight of the bankruptcy court. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Gordmans closed 19 stores and expects to close another 30 to 37 stores with the majority expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Stage Stores, Inc., will acquire the remaining 50 to 57 stores and we have signed an agreement to provide services for these stores through the end of fiscal 2017. We have collected on all pre-petition receivables, and Gordmans is current on all post-petition receivables. As of April 29, 2017 , inventory was approximately $0.6 million at cost for the remaining Gordmans stores to be closed, and markdowns of our inventory are being taken in line with the Gordmans liquidation sales.

We also have an equity investment in Town Shoes Limited ("Town Shoes"). Town Shoes is the market leader in Canada for the sale of branded footwear offered in stores and on e-commerce sites under the banners of The Shoe Company, Shoe Warehouse, Town Shoes and DSW.

During fiscal 2016, we completed several transactions that supported our efforts to grow market share within footwear and accessories domestically and internationally. On March 4, 2016 , we acquired Ebuys, Inc. ("Ebuys"), a leading off price footwear and accessories retailer operating in digital marketplaces. Ebuys sells products to customers located in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. On August 2, 2016, we signed an agreement with the Apparel Group as an exclusive franchise partner in the Gulf Coast region of the Middle East. Under this franchise agreement, we will expand the DSW banner by up to 40 stores across the territory with the first stores planned to open in fiscal 2017.

Basis of Presentation- The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The balance sheet at January 28, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 , filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2017.

Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins.

2.    ACQUISITION AND EQUITY INVESTMENT

Acquisition of Ebuys- On March 4, 2016 , we acquired 100% ownership of Ebuys for cash and future amounts to be paid to the sellers of Ebuys contingent upon achievement of certain milestones. During fiscal 2016 , we had purchase price adjustments based on working capital adjustments and measurement period adjustments of the contingent consideration liability, based on additional information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that were obtained after that date. We also made various measurement period adjustments for the assets and liabilities acquired.


5

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


The preliminary and final purchase price and the allocation of the total consideration to the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired consisted of the following:
 
Preliminary
Purchase Price
as of March 4, 2016
 
Adjustments
 
Final
Purchase Price
as of January 28, 2017
 
(in thousands)
Purchase price:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash consideration
$
60,411

 
$
(635
)
 
$
59,776

Contingent consideration
56,000

 
(2,645
)
 
53,355

 
$
116,411

 
$
(3,280
)
 
$
113,131

Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts and other receivables
$
1,623

 
$
(287
)
 
$
1,336

Inventory
30,152

 
18

 
30,170

Other current assets
191

 
335

 
526

Property and equipment
1,221

 
22

 
1,243

Goodwill
54,785

 
(995
)
 
53,790

Intangible assets
41,301

 
(2,600
)
 
38,701

Accounts payable and other long-term liabilities
(12,862
)
 
227

 
(12,635
)
 
$
116,411

 
$
(3,280
)
 
$
113,131


The final fair value of intangible assets includes $22.3 million for online retailer and customer relationships based on using the excess earnings method, $11.0 million for tradenames based on using the relief from royalty method, and $5.4 million for non-compete agreements based on using the with-and-without method. The categorization of the fair value framework used for these methods are considered Level 3 due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.

The goodwill represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition and is primarily the result of expected synergies, vertical integration as a market for selling aged inventory, online presence, and the acquired workforce. Goodwill related to this acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.

During fiscal 2016, we also made fair value adjustments to the contingent consideration liability based on Ebuys' results of operations during the year and revised projections for the contingent periods. These adjustments were not considered measurement period adjustments and were recognized as an adjustment to income from operations.

Equity Investment in Town Shoes- In May 2014, we acquired a 49.2% interest in Town Shoes for $75.1 million Canadian dollars ("CAD") ( $68.9 million United States Dollars ("USD")), which included the purchase of an unsecured subordinated note from Town Shoes issued on February 14, 2012 that earns payment-in-kind interest at 12% and matures on February 14, 2022. As of April 29, 2017 , our ownership percentage was 46.3% . The dilution of our ownership is due to Town Shoes' employee exercise of stock options. Our ownership stake provides 50% voting control and board representation equal to the co-investor.

Additionally, the Town Shoe co-investor holds a put option to sell the remaining portion of the Company in fiscal 2017 to DSW Inc., and for the subsequent two years. We hold a call option to purchase the remaining portion of the Company in fiscal 2018, and for the subsequent two years, if the Town Shoe co-investor has not exercised their put option. During fiscal 2015, we invested $100 million CAD in available-for-sale securities denominated in CAD in anticipation of funding the future purchase of the remaining interest in Town Shoes. As of April 29, 2017 , we classified these available-for-sale securities as short-term investments based on management's intent to exercise the call option to purchase the remaining portion of Town Shoes in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.


6

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


3 .    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Policies - The complete summary of significant accounting policies is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 .

Principles of Consolidation- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DSW Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in USD, unless otherwise noted.

Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required as a part of sales returns, depreciation, amortization, inventory valuation, contingent consideration liability, customer loyalty program reserve, recoverability of long-lived assets and intangible assets, legal reserves, accrual for lease obligations and establishing reserves for self-insurance. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash - Cash and cash equivalents represent cash, money market funds and credit card receivables that generally settle within three days. Restricted cash represents cash that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage and consists of a mandatory cash deposit with the lender for outstanding letters of credit.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
79,673

 
$
110,657

 
$
59,462

Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,895

 
4,654

 
8,065

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
$
82,568

 
$
115,311

 
$
67,527


Fair Value- Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists.

7

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss- Changes for the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (all amounts are net of tax):
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Available-for-Sale Securities
 
Total
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Available-for-Sale Securities
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - beginning of period
$
(13,699
)
 
$
(242
)
 
$
(13,941
)
 
$
(20,530
)
 
$
(173
)
 
$
(20,703
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(4,120
)
 
56

 
(4,064
)
 
12,149

 
126

 
12,275

Amounts reclassified to non-operating income
1,462

 
118

 
1,580

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(2,658
)
 
174

 
(2,484
)
 
12,149

 
126

 
12,275

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - end of period
$
(16,357
)
 
$
(68
)
 
$
(16,425
)
 
$
(8,381
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(8,428
)

Adopted Accounting Standards- In the first quarter of fiscal 2017 , we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which eliminated the requirement to recognize excess tax benefits in common shares paid-in capital and the requirement to evaluate tax deficiencies for common shares paid-in capital or income tax expense classification, and provides for these benefits or deficiencies to be recorded as an income tax expense or benefit on a prospective basis. For the consolidated statements of cash flows, excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation is no longer presented, on a retroactive basis, as a financing activity cash inflow and as an operating activity cash outflow. As we did not have any excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation during fiscal 2016, the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not result in a change in the activity presented in the statements of cash flows for the three months ended April 30, 2016 .

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017 , we early adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires that the consolidated statements of cash flows provides the change in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result of this adoption, we no longer show the changes in restricted cash balances as a component of cash flows from investing activities but instead include the balances of restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents for the beginning and end of the periods presented.


8

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


As a result of adopting ASU 2016-18, we adjusted the statements of cash flows on a retroactive basis as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by investing activities, as previously reported
$
34,289

Eliminated the impact of the increase in restricted cash
389

Net cash provided by investing activities, as adjusted
$
34,678

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents, as previously reported
$
26,967

Eliminated the impact of the increase in restricted cash
389

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as adjusted
$
27,356

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period, as previously reported
$
32,495

Included restricted cash
7,676

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period, as adjusted
$
40,171

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period, as previously reported
$
59,462

Included restricted cash
8,065

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period, as adjusted
$
67,527


Recent Accounting Pronouncements- In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which provides a single comprehensive accounting standard for revenue recognition for contracts with customers and supersedes current guidance. Under ASU 2014-09, companies will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also will require enhanced disclosures and provide more comprehensive guidance for transactions such as service revenue and contract modifications. The standard is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. We have completed an assessment identifying areas of impact to our financial statements, including sales returns, licensing arrangements, gift cards, and our loyalty and co-branded credit card programs. We are currently evaluating changes to the timing of recognition, calculation of amounts and classification within our financial statements. For income from breakage of gift cards, which is currently recognized as a reduction to operating expenses when the redemption of the gift card is remote, the new standard will require classification within net sales recognized proportionately over the expected redemption period. Also upon adoption of the standard, we will no longer use the incremental cost method and record to cost of sales for our loyalty program, rather we will use a deferred revenue model. We are continuing our assessment, which may identify other impacts, and evaluating the transition methods for adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which will change how lessees account for leases. For most leases, a liability will be recorded on the balance sheet based on the present value of future lease obligations with a corresponding right-of-use asset. Primarily for those leases currently classified by us as operating leases, we will recognize a single lease cost on a straight line basis based on the combined amortization of the lease obligation and the right-of-use asset. Other leases will be required to be accounted for as financing arrangements similar to current accounting for capital leases. On transition, we will recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The standard is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities upon issuance of the final standard. We will not early adopt ASU 2016-02 and we expect the standard will have a material impact to our consolidated balance sheets. We are continuing to assess and evaluate the full impact of the standard on our financial statements and developing an implementation plan.

4.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Accounts receivable, accounts payable, and prepaid expenses associated with related parties are separately presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Accounts receivable from and payables to related parties normally settle in the form of cash in 30 to 60 days.


9

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


Schottenstein Affiliates

As of April 29, 2017 , the Schottenstein Affiliates, entities owned or controlled by Jay L. Schottenstein, the executive chairman of our Board of Directors, and members of his family, beneficially owned approximately 19% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares, representing approximately 51% of the combined voting power. As of April 29, 2017 , the Schottenstein Affiliates beneficially owned 7.3 million Class A Common Shares and 7.7 million Class B Common Shares.

Leases with Related Parties- We lease our fulfillment center and certain store locations owned by Schottenstein Affiliates. During the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we recorded rent expense from leases with Schottenstein Affiliates of $2.3 million and $2.0 million , respectively.

Basis Difference Related to Acquisition of Commonly Controlled Entity- The basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity balance, as shown on our consolidated balance sheets, relates to a legal entity acquisition in fiscal 2012 from certain Schottenstein affiliates. The legal entity owned property that was previously leased by us. As this was a transaction between entities under common control, there was no adjustment to the historical cost carrying amounts of assets transferred to the Company. The difference between the historical cost carrying amounts and the consideration transferred was reflected as an equity transaction.

Other Purchases and Services- During the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we had other purchases and services from Schottenstein Affiliates of $0.3 million and $0.3 million , respectively.

Town Shoes

Our ownership percentage in Town Shoes was 46.3% , which provides us a 50% voting control and board representation equal to the co-investor, and is treated as an equity investment.
Management Agreement- We have a management agreement with Town Shoes under which we provided certain information technology and management services. During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , we recognized income of $0.3 million . During the three months ended April 30, 2016 , no services were provided.

License Agreement- We license the use of our tradename and trademark, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, to Town Shoes for a royalty fee based on a percentage of net sales from its Canadian DSW stores. The license is exclusive and non-transferable for use in Canada. During the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we recognized $0.1 million and $0.1 million , respectively, of royalty fees, which are included in net sales.

Other Purchases and Services- During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , Town had other purchases and services from us of $0.9 million . During the three months ended April 30, 2016 , no services were provided.

David Duong, CEO of Ebuys

On March 4, 2016 , we acquired 100% ownership of Ebuys from its co-founders, including David Duong who is our current CEO of Ebuys, for cash and future amounts to be paid to the co-founders contingent upon achievement of certain milestones. See Note 13 , Commitments and Contingencies , for the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability and changes recognized. Mr. Duong will receive 50% of any future payments of the contingent consideration.

5.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is based on net income and the weighted average of Class A and Class B Common Shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common shares adjusted for outstanding stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs") calculated using the treasury stock method.


10

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of earnings per share:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic shares
80,217

 
81,953

Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards
515

 
752

Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted shares
80,732

 
82,705


For the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , the number of potential shares that were not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive was approximately 3.9 million and 3.1 million , respectively.

6.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Stock options
$
1,751

 
$
1,677

Restricted stock units
830

 
1,230

Performance-based restricted stock units
977

 
682

Director stock units ("DSUs")
51

 
68

 
$
3,609

 
$
3,657


The fair value for stock option awards was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the options granted:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
Assumptions:
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
1.9%
 
1.5%
Expected volatility
34.4%
 
36.0%
Expected option term
5.5 years
 
5.4 years
Dividend yield
3.9%
 
3.0%
Other data:
 
 
 
Weighted average grant date fair value
$4.20
 
$6.59

The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation award activity:
 
Three months ended April 29, 2017
 
Stock Options
 
RSUs
 
PSUs
 
DSUs
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding - beginning of period
3,799

 
351

 
250

 
311

Granted
1,606

 
258

 
236

 
5

Exercised / vested
(29
)
 
(53
)
 
(34
)
 
(1
)
Forfeited / expired
(193
)
 
(33
)
 
(3
)
 

Outstanding - end of period
5,183

 
523

 
449

 
315

 

11

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


As of April 29, 2017 , 4.8 million shares of Class A Common Shares remain available for future stock-based compensation grants under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

7.    INVESTMENTS

We hold available-for-sale investments primarily in bonds and term notes. Investments consisted of the following:
 
Short-term investments
 
Long-term investments
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value
$
174,381

 
$
98,793

 
$
97,236

 
$

 
$
77,882

 
$
80,748

Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
87

 
101

 
411

 

 
133

 
22

Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
(275
)
 
(364
)
 
(35
)
 

 
(111
)
 
(314
)
Total investments
$
174,193

 
$
98,530

 
$
97,612

 
$

 
$
77,904

 
$
80,456


8.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Assets and Liabilities- Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
 
April 29, 2017
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
79,673

 
$
79,673

 

 

Short-term investments
174,193

 
934

 
$
173,259

 

 
$
253,866

 
$
80,607

 
$
173,259

 
$

Financial liabilities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liability
$
34,288

 

 

 
$
34,288

 
$
34,288

 
$

 
$

 
$
34,288

 
January 28, 2017
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
110,657

 
$
110,657

 

 

Short-term investments
98,530

 
2,446

 
$
96,084

 

Long-term investments
77,904

 
431

 
77,473

 

 
$
287,091

 
$
113,534

 
$
173,557

 
$

Financial liabilities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liability
$
33,204

 

 

 
$
33,204

 
$
33,204

 
$

 
$

 
$
33,204


12

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


 
April 30, 2016
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
59,462

 
$
59,462

 

 
 
Short-term investments
97,612

 
5,676

 
$
91,936

 
 
Long-term investments
80,456

 
286

 
80,170

 
 
 
$
237,530

 
$
65,424

 
$
172,106

 
$

Financial liabilities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liability
$
57,445

 

 

 
$
57,445

 
$
57,445

 
$

 
$

 
$
57,445


The short-term and long-term investments categorized as Level 2 were valued using a market-based approach using inputs such as prices of similar assets in active markets. See Note  13 Commitments and Contingencies , for the estimated fair value (categorized as Level 3) of the contingent consideration liability and changes recognized.

We have financial assets and liabilities not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which primarily consist of accounts receivables, note receivable from Town Shoes, and accounts payables. The carrying value of accounts receivables and accounts payables approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. As of  April 29, 2017 , January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , the fair value of the note receivable from Town Shoes was  $46.1 million , $45.7 million and $43.2 million , respectively, compared to the carrying value of  $52.9 million , $53.1 million and $50.6 million , respectively. We estimated the fair value of the note receivable based upon current interest rates offered on similar instruments. The change in fair value is based on the change in comparable rates on similar instruments. Based on our intention and ability to hold the note until maturity or the exercise of the put/call option, the carrying value is not other-than-temporarily impaired.

9.    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Land
$
1,110

 
$
1,110

 
$
1,110

Buildings
12,485

 
12,485

 
12,485

Building and leasehold improvements
395,576

 
393,505

 
375,969

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
414,179

 
408,653

 
373,863

Software
134,656

 
123,460

 
120,372

Construction in progress
25,420

 
27,456

 
26,739

Total property and equipment
983,426

 
966,669

 
910,538

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(609,106
)
 
(591,418
)
 
(536,559
)
Property and equipment, net
$
374,320

 
$
375,251

 
$
373,979


Construction in progress is comprised primarily of the construction of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures related to unopened stores and internal-use software under development.


13

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


10.    ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Gift cards and merchandise credits
$
43,106

 
$
45,743

 
$
39,385

Compensation
18,762

 
17,132

 
18,145

Taxes
19,656

 
21,764

 
20,944

Customer loyalty program
12,227

 
11,502

 
10,987

Other  (1)
42,007

 
34,193

 
36,305

 
$
135,758

 
$
130,334

 
$
125,766

(1)
Other is comprised of deferred revenue, sales return allowance, and various other accrued expenses, including amounts owed under our vendor payment program described below.

To better facilitate the processing efficiency of certain vendor payments, during fiscal 2016 we entered into a vendor payment program with a payment processing intermediary. Under the vendor payment program, the intermediary makes regularly-scheduled payments to participating vendors and we, in turn, settle monthly with the intermediary. The net change in the outstanding balance is reflected as a financing activity in the statements of cash flows.

11.    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities consisted of the following:
 
April 29, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Construction and tenant allowances
$
86,803

 
$
87,886

 
$
87,002

Deferred rent
38,176

 
37,779

 
37,931

Other
17,540

 
15,514

 
17,760

 
$
142,519

 
$
141,179

 
$
142,693

12.    DEBT

Credit Facility - On August 2, 2013 , we entered into a secured revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Facility") that provides revolving credit up to $100 million . The Credit Facility, together with the Letter of Credit Agreement (defined below), amended and restated the prior credit facility, dated June 30, 2010 . The Credit Facility will expire on July 31, 2018 . The Credit Facility may be further increased by up to $50 million upon request subject to lender acceptance, financial condition and compliance with covenants. The Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of DSW Inc.'s personal property assets and its subsidiaries, with certain exclusions, and may be used to provide funds for general corporate purposes, to provide for ongoing working capital requirements and to make permitted acquisitions. Revolving credit loans bear interest under the Credit Facility at our option under: (a) a base rate option at a rate per annum equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Open Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility), plus 0.5%, (ii) the Lender's prime rate, and (iii) the Daily LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) plus 1.0%, plus in each instance an applicable margin, which is between 1.00 and 1.25, based upon revolving credit availability; or (b) a LIBOR option at a rate equal to the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility), plus an applicable margin based upon our revolving credit availability. In addition, the Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants relating to the management and operation of our business. These covenants, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to grant liens on our assets, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, limit our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates and limit our ability to merge or consolidate with another entity. Our Credit Facility allows the payment of dividends by us or our subsidiaries, provided that we meet the minimum cash and investments requirement of $125 million , as defined in the Credit Facility. An additional covenant limits payments for capital expenditures to $200 million in any fiscal year. As of April 29, 2017 , we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility with availability of $100 million and we were in compliance with all covenants. Interest expense related to the Credit Facility includes fees, such as commitment and line of credit fees.


14

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


Letter of Credit Agreement- Also on August 2, 2013 , we entered into a letter of credit agreement (the "Letter of Credit Agreement"). The Letter of Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $50 million that will expire on August 2, 2018 . The facility for the issuance of letters of credit is secured by a cash collateral account containing cash in an amount equal to 103% of the face amount of any letter of credit extension ( 105% for extensions denominated in foreign currency) and is used for general corporate purposes. The Letter of Credit Agreement requires compliance with conditions precedent that must be satisfied prior to issuing any letter of credit or extension. In addition, the Letter of Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants relating to the management and operation of our business. These covenants, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to grant liens on our assets, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, limit our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates and limit our ability to merge or consolidate with another entity. An event of default may cause the applicable interest rate and fees to increase by 2% per annum. As of April 29, 2017 , we were in compliance with all covenants. As of April 29, 2017 , January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we had outstanding letters of credit under the Letter of Credit Agreement of $2.8 million , $3.8 million , and $7.1 million , respectively.

13 .    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingent Consideration Liability- The contingent consideration liability resulted from the acquisition of Ebuys and is based on a defined earnings performance measure for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with no defined maximum earn-out. The contingent consideration liability is based on our estimated fair value with any differences between the final acquisition-date fair value and the estimated settlement of the obligation, as remeasured each reporting period, being recognized as an adjustment to income from operations.

Activity for the contingent consideration liability was as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Contingent consideration liability - beginning of period
$
33,204

 
$

Preliminary purchase price

 
56,000

Accretion in value
1,084

 
1,445

Contingent consideration liability - end of period
$
34,288

 
$
57,445


Legal Proceedings- We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, we believe the amount of any potential liability with respect to current legal proceedings will not be material to the results of operations or financial condition. As additional information becomes available, we will assess any potential liability related to pending litigation and revise the estimates as needed.

Guarantee- As a result of a previous merger, we provided a guarantee for a lease commitment that is scheduled to expire in 2024 of a location that has been leased to a third party. If the third party does not pay the rent or vacates the premise, we may be required to make full rent payments to the landlord.

Contractual Obligations- As of April 29, 2017 , we have entered into various construction commitments, including capital items to be purchased for projects that were under construction, or for which a lease has been signed. Our obligations under these commitments were $0.9 million as of April 29, 2017 . In addition, we have entered into various noncancelable purchase and service agreements. The obligations under these agreements were approximately $15.0 million as of April 29, 2017 .


15

Table of Contents     
DSW INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
( unaudited )


14.    SEGMENT REPORTING

Our two reportable segments, which are also operating segments, are the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com, and the ABG segment. Other primarily includes Ebuys. The following provides certain financial data by segment reconciled to the consolidated financial statements:
 
DSW segment
 
ABG segment
 
Other
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Three months ended April 29, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
624,787

 
43,988

 
22,327

 
$
691,102

Gross profit
$
184,650

 
10,498

 
81

 
$
195,229

Three months ended April 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
623,032

 
43,139

 
15,096

 
$
681,267

Gross profit
$
191,419

 
10,813

 
2,125

 
$
204,357


15.    SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On May 24, 2017 , the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.20 per share for both Class A and Class B Common Shares. The dividend will be paid on June 29, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2017 .


16


Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Some of the statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, financial condition, growth strategy and liquidity. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to those factors described under "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 23, 2017, some important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
our success in growing our store base and digital demand;
our ability to protect our reputation;
maintaining strong relationships with our vendors;
our ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends, consumer preferences and changing customer expectations;
risks related to the loss or disruption of our distribution and/or fulfillment operations;
continuation of agreements with and our reliance on the financial condition of our affiliated business and international partners;
our ability to successfully integrate Ebuys, Inc.;
fluctuation of our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance;
risks related to the loss or disruption of our information systems and data;
our ability to prevent breaches of our information security and the compromise of sensitive and confidential data;
failure to retain our key executives or attract qualified new personnel;
our competitiveness with respect to style, price, brand availability and customer service;
our reliance on our DSW Rewards program and marketing to drive traffic, sales and customer loyalty;
uncertain general economic conditions;
our reliance on foreign sources for merchandise and risks inherent to international trade;
risks related to leases of our properties;
risks related to prior and current acquisitions;
risks related to future legislation, regulatory reform or policy changes;
foreign currency exchange risk; and
risks related to holdings of cash and investments and access to liquidity.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from what we have projected. Furthermore, new factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can management assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


17


Executive Summary

We continue to focus on differentiating our assortment by growing relevant brands, increasing the distortion towards growth categories, and improving assortment consistency across our fleet. By working closely with our vendors we are able to introduce new brands, improve sourcing costs and secure opportunistic buys. Beginning in fiscal 2016, we started working with a new partner to further strengthen our exclusive private brand offerings. We continue to support our merchandising efforts with targeted marketing to highlight the compelling values we offer every day.
Recent investments have enabled us to better leverage our warehouse network. With our brick and mortar locations within 20 miles from approximately 70% of our target population, we will continue to invest in new capabilities that provide a seamless shopping experience, such as buy online, pickup in store and buy online, ship to store. We are dramatically elevating our digital experiences with our successful relaunch of our redesigned website and mobile app in fiscal 2017, which integrate customer rewards information and product preferences into a new mobile-oriented and responsive site. With our new infrastructure we expect to accelerate the growth of digital demand. Furthermore, we have partnered with a technology leader to develop a proprietary technology that will give our associates all the data they need at their fingertips to run our stores and serve our customers. With the acquisition of Ebuys, we have expanded our presence in the fast-growing digital marketplaces and have started building the infrastructure that will allow us to better leverage Ebuys' platform across our brand portfolio in the coming years.

As of April 29, 2017 , we operated 508 DSW stores, dsw.com and shoe departments in 291 Stein Mart stores and Steinmart.com, 87 Gordmans stores, and one Frugal Fannie's store. On March 13, 2017 , Gordmans filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and announced its plan to liquidate inventory and other assets. The filing and liquidation sale is subject to the oversight of the bankruptcy court. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Gordmans closed 19 stores and expects to close another 30 to 37 stores with the majority expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Stage Stores, Inc., will acquire the remaining 50 to 57 stores and we have signed an agreement to provide services for these stores through the end of fiscal 2017.

Financial Summary

Total net sales increased to $691.1 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017 from $681.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016 . The 1.4% increase in total net sales was driven by the incremental sales from Ebuys and non-comparable store sales, partially offset by the 3.0% decrease in comparable sales (1) .

During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 28.2% , a decrease of 180 basis points from 30.0% in the previous year. The decrease in the gross profit rate was primarily driven by clearance timing and marketing promotions.

Net income for the three months ended April 29, 2017 was $23.0 million , or $0.28 per diluted share, which included pre-tax charges of $4.1 million , or $0.04 per share, related to the amortization of intangibles and the change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability associated with the acquisition of Ebuys, restructuring costs and foreign exchange losses. Net income for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was $30.0 million , or $0.36 per diluted share, which included pre-tax charges of $4.5 million , or $0.04 per share, related to transaction costs, purchase accounting impacts and change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability associated with the acquisition of Ebuys.

We have continued making investments in our business that support our long-term growth objectives. On March 4, 2016 , we acquired Ebuys, a leading off price footwear and accessories retailer operating in digital marketplaces, for a total purchase price of $113.1 million . During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , we invested $18.3 million in capital expenditures compared to $26.0 million during the three months ended April 30, 2016 . Our capital expenditures during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 primarily related to seven new store openings, store remodels and business infrastructure. We plan to open approximately 15 to 17 stores in fiscal 2017 .

        
(1)
A store or affiliated shoe department is considered comparable when in operation for at least 14 months at the beginning of the fiscal year. Stores or affiliated business departments, as the case may be, are added to the comparable base at the beginning of the year and are dropped for comparative purposes in the quarter they are closed. Comparable sales includes sales from dsw.com and currently excludes sales from Gordmans and Ebuys. The calculation of comparable sales varies across the retail industry and, as a result, the calculations of other retail companies may not be consistent with our calculation.

18


Results of Operations

The following represents components of our consolidated results of operations, expressed as percentages of net sales:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
Net sales
100.0%
 
100.0%
Cost of sales
(71.8)
 
(70.0)
Gross profit
28.2
 
30.0
Operating expenses
(22.2)
 
(22.6)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability
(0.1)
 
(0.2)
Operating profit
5.9
 
7.2
Interest income, net
0.1
 
0.1
Non-operating income (expense)
(0.2)
 
0.0
Income before income taxes and loss from Town Shoes
5.8
 
7.3
Income tax provision
(2.3)
 
(2.8)
Loss from Town Shoes
(0.2)
 
(0.0)
Net income
3.3%

4.5%

Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended April 30, 2016

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 increased 1.4% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016 . The following summarizes the change in total net sales from the same period last year:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
(in thousands)
Net sales for the same period last year
$
681,267

Decrease in comparable sales
(19,462
)
Net increase from non-comparable store sales, Gordmans, Ebuys and other changes
29,297

Total net sales
$
691,102


The following summarizes net sales by segment:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
DSW segment
$
624,787

 
$
623,032

ABG segment
43,988

 
43,139

Other (1)
22,327

 
15,096

Total net sales
$
691,102

 
$
681,267

(1)
Other represents net sales for Ebuys.

The following summarizes our comparable sales change by reportable segment and in total:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
DSW segment
(3.1)%
 
(1.4)%
ABG segment
(1.7)%
 
(3.4)%
Total
(3.0)%
 
(1.6)%


19


Our increase in total net sales for the three months ended April 29, 2017 was primarily driven by the incremental sales from Ebuys. Within the DSW segment, comparable sales decreased as comparable average unit retail and units per transaction declined, partially offset by the increase in comparable transactions led by higher traffic. Digital demand percentage growth was in the high teens with an increase in our store fulfillment of digital orders.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased as a percentage of net sales to 28.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 from 30.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 . The following presents each segment's gross profit and their components, and the total Company gross profit, as a percentage of net sales:
 
Three months ended
 
April 29, 2017
 
April 30, 2016
DSW segment merchandise margin
42.8
 %
 
43.9
 %
Store occupancy expenses
(10.9
)
 
(10.9
)
Distribution and fulfillment expenses
(2.3
)
 
(2.3
)
DSW segment gross profit
29.6
 %
 
30.7
 %
ABG segment merchandise margin
45.7
 %
 
46.6
 %
Occupancy expenses
(20.7
)
 
(20.4
)
Distribution and fulfillment expenses
(1.1
)
 
(1.1
)
ABG segment gross profit
23.9
 %
 
25.1
 %
Other segment merchandise margin - Ebuys
30.2
 %
 
34.6
 %
Marketplace fees
(12.4
)
 
(11.0
)
Fulfillment expenses
(17.4
)
 
(9.5
)
Other segment gross profit - Ebuys
0.4
 %
 
14.1
 %
Total Company gross profit
28.2
 %
 
30.0
 %

DSW segment merchandise margin decreased 110 basis points, while occupancy expenses and distribution and fulfillment expenses remained flat. We optimized the timing of clearance activities in fiscal 2017, adding a rotation to the first quarter, which accounted for the majority of our merchandise margin decline. Incremental markdowns taken to manage inventories and category mix were offset by better markdown management and higher initial markups. Related to our ABG segment, gross profit decreased 120 basis points primarily due to higher markdowns related to the liquidation of Gordmans partially offset by higher initial markup. Ebuys' merchandise margin was negatively impacted by inventory adjustments during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 to account for aged goods as we align our inventory process during Ebuys' integration.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 40 basis points due to lower corporate and store expenses and higher transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Ebuys included in the same period last year.

Non-operating Income (Expense)

During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , we recognized foreign exchange losses of $1.5 million in the process of reinvesting Canadian instruments related to the pre-funding of our remaining stake in Town Shoes.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 was 40.5% and 38.9% , respectively. The increase in the income tax rate was primarily driven by net unfavorable discrete tax items in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Loss from Town Shoes

Loss from Town Shoes includes our portion of the loss in Town Shoes' operations, offset by the interest income on the note receivable from Town Shoes.


20


Seasonality

Our business is subject to seasonal merchandise trends driven by the change in weather conditions and our customers' interest in new seasonal styles. New spring styles are primarily introduced in the first quarter, and new fall styles are primarily introduced in the third quarter.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our primary ongoing operating cash flow requirements are for inventory purchases, capital expenditures for new stores, improving our information technology systems and infrastructure growth. Our working capital and inventory levels typically build seasonally. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources and access to financial resources at this time. We are committed to a cash management strategy that maintains liquidity to adequately support the operation of the business, pursues our growth strategy and to withstand unanticipated business volatility. We believe that cash generated from our operations, together with our current levels of cash and investments, as well as availability under our revolving credit facility, should be sufficient to maintain our ongoing operations, support seasonal working capital requirements, and fund capital expenditures related to projected business growth for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.

Operating Cash Flows

For the three months ended April 29, 2017 , our net cash provided by operations was $7.3 million compared to $9.8 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016 . The decrease was primarily driven by lower net income, as a result of the decrease in gross profit, partially offset by improvements in working capital.

Investing Cash Flows

For the three months ended April 29, 2017 , our net cash used in investing activities was $24.7 million compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $34.7 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016 . During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , we paid $18.3 million for capital expenditures, of which $9.3 million related to stores, $7.0 million related to technology and the remaining related to other business projects. During the three months ended April 30, 2016 , we paid $26.0 million for capital expenditures, of which $10.9 million related to new stores, $6.8 million related to technology and the remaining related to other business projects. During the three months ended April 29, 2017 , we had net purchases of short-term and long-term investments of $0.7 million compared to net sales of $127.8 million during the three months ended April 30, 2016 , which was attributable to the liquidation of our investments to fund the amount paid of $60.4 million for the acquisition of Ebuys during the three months ended April 30, 2016 .

Financing Cash Flows

For the three months ended April 29, 2017 , our net cash used in financing activities was $15.4 million compared to $17.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016 . Net cash used in financing activities was primarily related to the payment of dividends.

Debt

Credit Facility - On August 2, 2013 , we entered into a secured revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Facility") that provides revolving credit up to $100 million . The Credit Facility, together with the Letter of Credit Agreement (defined below), amended and restated the prior credit facility, dated June 30, 2010 . The Credit Facility will expire on July 31, 2018 . The Credit Facility may be further increased by up to $50 million upon request subject to lender acceptance, financial condition and compliance with covenants. The Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of DSW Inc.'s personal property assets and its subsidiaries, with certain exclusions, and may be used to provide funds for general corporate purposes, to provide for ongoing working capital requirements and to make permitted acquisitions. Revolving credit loans bear interest under the Credit Facility at our option under: (a) a base rate option at a rate per annum equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Open Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility), plus 0.5%, (ii) the Lender's prime rate, and (iii) the Daily LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) plus 1.0%, plus in each instance an applicable margin, which is between 1.00 and 1.25, based upon revolving credit availability; or (b) a LIBOR option at a rate equal to the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility), plus an applicable margin based upon our revolving credit availability. In addition, the Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants relating to the management and operation of our business. These covenants, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to grant liens on our assets, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, limit our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates and limit our ability to merge or consolidate with another entity. Our Credit Facility allows the payment of dividends by us or our subsidiaries, provided that we meet the minimum cash and investments requirement of $125 million , as defined in the Credit Facility. An additional covenant limits payments for capital

21


expenditures to $200 million in any fiscal year. As of April 29, 2017 , we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility with availability of $100 million and we were in compliance with all covenants. Interest expense related to the Credit Facility includes fees, such as commitment and line of credit fees.

Letter of Credit Agreement- Also on August 2, 2013 , we entered into a letter of credit agreement (the "Letter of Credit Agreement"). The Letter of Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $50 million that will expire on August 2, 2018 . The facility for the issuance of letters of credit is secured by a cash collateral account containing cash in an amount equal to 103% of the face amount of any letter of credit extension ( 105% for extensions denominated in foreign currency) and is used for general corporate purposes. The Letter of Credit Agreement requires compliance with conditions precedent that must be satisfied prior to issuing any letter of credit or extension. In addition, the Letter of Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants relating to the management and operation of our business. These covenants, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to grant liens on our assets, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, limit our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates and limit our ability to merge or consolidate with another entity. An event of default may cause the applicable interest rate and fees to increase by 2% per annum. As of April 29, 2017 , we were in compliance with all covenants. As of April 29, 2017 , January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we had outstanding letters of credit under the Letter of Credit Agreement of $2.8 million , $3.8 million , and $7.1 million , respectively.

Capital Expenditure Plans

We expect to spend approximately $66 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2017 , with approximately half going into new stores and store remodels and the other half going into technology investments, including digital investments, and other business projects. Our future investments will depend primarily on the number of stores we open and remodel, infrastructure and information technology projects that we undertake and the timing of these expenditures. We plan to open approximately 15 to 17 DSW stores in fiscal 2017 . The average investment required to open a new DSW store is approximately $1.4 million , prior to construction and tenant allowances, which average $0.4 million . Of this amount, gross inventory typically accounts for $0.5 million , fixtures and leasehold improvements typically account for $0.7 million and new store advertising and other new store expenses typically account for $0.2 million .

Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities and Other Contractual Obligations

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

We have included a summary of our contractual obligations as of January 28, 2017 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 . As of April 29, 2017 , we have entered into various construction commitments, including capital items to be purchased for projects that were under construction, or for which a lease has been signed. Our obligations under these commitments were $0.9 million as of April 29, 2017 . In addition, we have entered into various noncancelable purchase and service agreements. The obligations under these agreements were approximately $15.0 million as of April 29, 2017 . There have been no other material changes in contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business since January 28, 2017 .

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The information related to recent accounting pronouncements as set forth in Note 3 , Significant Accounting Policies , of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base these estimates and judgments on factors we believe to be relevant, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The process of determining significant estimates is fact-specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and in some cases, actuarial and appraisal techniques. We constantly re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate.

22


While we believe that the factors considered provide a meaningful basis for the accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we cannot guarantee that our estimates and assumptions will be accurate. As the determination of these estimates requires the exercise of judgment, actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. The description of critical accounting policies is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 .

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We have market risk exposure related to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Market risk is measured as the potential negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over the next year.

Interest Rate Risk

We hold available-for-sale investments. Our results of operations are not materially affected by changes in market interest rates. Also, as of April 29, 2017 , we did not have borrowings under our Credit Facility and, consequently, did not have any material exposure to interest rate market risks during or at the end of this period. However, as any future borrowings under our Credit Facility will be at a variable rate of interest, we could potentially be impacted should we require significant borrowings in the future, particularly during a period of rising interest rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The note receivable from Town Shoes is denominated in CAD. The functional and reporting currency of Town Shoes is CAD. As USD is our functional currency, we are required to translate the investment in and note receivable from Town Shoes into USD balances. Each quarter, the income or loss from Town Shoes is recorded in USD at the average exchange rate for the period. The note receivable from Town Shoes is translated in USD at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. As we have designated the note receivable from Town Shoes as an investment of a long-term investment nature, we record the translation gains and losses arising from changes in exchange rates in other comprehensive income. In anticipation of funding the future purchase of the remaining interest in Town Shoes, we hold $100 million CAD in available-for-sale securities denominated in CAD, with any foreign currency exchange gains or losses recorded within other comprehensive income. A hypothetical 10% movement in the CAD exchange rate could result in a $14.2 million foreign currency translation fluctuation, which would be recorded in other comprehensive income.

We currently do not utilize hedging instruments to mitigate foreign currency exchange risks.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No change was made in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(e), during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

The information set forth in Note 13 , Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Proceedings , of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.



23


Item 1A.     Risk Factors

As of the date of the filing, there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 .

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On November 2, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a $200 million share repurchase program. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time, and we have no obligation to repurchase any amount of our common shares under the program. We will determine the amount of shares to repurchase based on generated and expected cash flow and cash usage needs, past and anticipated business performance and available alternative investment opportunities. Shares will be repurchased in the open market at times and in amounts based on price and market conditions.

The following table sets forth the Class A Common Share repurchases during the most recent quarter:
 
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price Paid per Share
 
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
 
(d)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
January 29, 2017 to February 25, 2017 (1)
6

 
$
20.64

 

 
$
33,469

February 26, 2017 to April 1, 2017 (1)
27

 
$
19.35

 

 
$
33,469

April 2, 2017 to April 29, 2017

 
$

 

 
$
33,469

 
33

 
$
19.97

 

 
 
(1)
The total number of shares repurchased relates to shares withheld in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.     Other Information

None.

Item 6.
Exhibits

The Index to Exhibits filed herewith is incorporated herein by reference.


24


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

DSW INC.

Date:
May 25, 2017
 
By:
 /s/ Jared Poff
 
 
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer)


25


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of DSW Inc. dated November 1, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to DSW's Form 8-K (file no. 001-32545) filed November 4, 2013.
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K (file no. 001-32545) filed April 13, 2006.
4.1
 
Specimen Class A Common Shares Certificate. Incorporated by reference to the same exhibit to Form 10-K (file no. 001-32545) filed April 13, 2006.
10.1*
 
Employment agreement, dated May 1, 2017, between Michele Love and DSW Inc.
31.1*

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Executive Officer.
31.2*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Financial Officer.
32.1*
 
Section 1350 Certification - Principal Executive Officer.
32.2*
 
Section 1350 Certification - Principal Financial Officer.
101*
 
XBRL Instance Documents

* Filed herewith


26


EXHIBIT 10.1
STANDARD EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
DSW INC.
AND
MICHELE LOVE
This Standard Executive Severance Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between DSW Inc. (“Company”) and Michele Love(“Executive”), collectively, the “Parties,” is effective as of the date signed (“Effective Date”) and supersedes and replaces any other oral or written employment-related agreement between the Executive and the Company except for that certain letter agreement to Executive from Roger Rawlins, CEO of DSW Inc. (the "Letter Agreement"), which Letter Agreement survives according to its terms.
The severance offer to the Executive is provided by the Company in exchange for the Executive’s performance of the obligations described in this Agreement. The Executive agrees that the severance offered is adequate consideration for the performance of the duties and the covenants and releases made and entered into by and between the Executive and the Company in this Agreement.
1.00      EXECUTIVE’S OBLIGATIONS
1.01      Scope of Duties. The Executive will:
[1]     Devote all available business time, best efforts and undivided attention to the Company’s business and affairs; and
[2]     Not engage in any other business activity, whether or not for gain, profit or other pecuniary benefit.
[3]     However, the restriction described in Section 1.02[1] and [2] will not preclude the Executive from:
[a]     Making or holding passive investments in outstanding shares in the securities of publicly-owned companies or other businesses [other than organizations described in Section 1.05], regardless of when and how that investment was made; or
[b]     Serving on corporate, civic, religious, educational and/or charitable boards or committees but only if this activity [i]  does not interfere with the performance of duties under this Agreement and [ii]  is approved by the Executive’s manager.
1.02      Confidential Information .
[1]      Obligation to Protect Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries, parent corporation and affiliated entities (collectively, “Group” and separately, “Group Member”) have a legitimate and continuing proprietary interest in the protection of Confidential Information (as defined in Section 1.02[2]) and have invested, and will continue to invest, substantial sums of money to develop, maintain and protect Confidential Information. The Executive agrees [a]  during and after employment with all Group Members [i]  that any Confidential Information will be held in confidence and treated as proprietary to the Group, [ii]  not to use or disclose any Confidential Information except to promote and advance the Group’s business interests and [b]  immediately upon separation from employment with all Group Members, to return to the Company any Confidential Information.
[2]      Definition of Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information includes any confidential data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, information regarding sales, information regarding properties and any other Confidential Information regarding the business, operations, properties or personnel of the Group (or any Group Member) which are disclosed to or learned by the Executive as a result of employment with any Group Member, but





will not include [a]  the Executive’s personal personnel records or [b]  any information that [i]  the Executive possessed before the date of initial employment (including periods before the Effective Date) with any Group Member that was a matter of public knowledge, [ii]  became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, [iii]  has been or is disclosed by any Group Member without restriction on its use or [iv]  has been or is required to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Senior Vice President of Human Resources confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge or an arbitrator, acting under Section 6.00, finally decides that the information is public knowledge.
[3]      Intellectual Property. The Executive expressly acknowledges that all right, title and interest to all inventions, designs, discoveries, works of authorship, and ideas conceived, produced, created, discovered, authored, or reduced to practice during the Executive’s performance of services under this Agreement, whether individually or jointly with any Group Member (the “Intellectual Property”) shall be owned solely by the Group, and shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 1.02[1] above. All Intellectual Property which constitutes copyrightable subject matter under the copyright laws of the United States shall, from the inception of creation, be deemed to be a "work made for hire" under the United States copyright laws and all right, title and interest in and to such copyrightable works shall vest in the Group. All right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property developed or produced under this Agreement by the Executive, whether constituting patentable subject matter or copyrightable subject matter (to the extent deemed not to be a "work made for hire") or otherwise, shall be assigned and is hereby irrevocably assigned to the Group by the Executive. The Executive shall, without any additional consideration, execute all documents and take all other actions needed to convey the Executive’s complete ownership interest in any Intellectual Property to the Group so that the Group may own and protect such Intellectual Property and obtain patent, copyright and trademark registrations for it. The Executive agrees that any Group Member may alter or modify the Intellectual Property at the Group Member’s sole discretion, and the Executive waives all right to claim or disclaim authorship.
1.03      Solicitation of Employees . The Executive agrees that during employment, and for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for two years after terminating employment with all Group Members [1]  not, directly or indirectly, to solicit any employee of any Group Member to leave employment with the Group, [2]  not, directly or indirectly, to employ or seek to employ any employee of any Group Member and [3]  not to cause or induce any of the Group’s (or Group Member’s) competitors to solicit or employ any employee of any Group Member.
1.04      Solicitation of Third Parties . The Executive agrees that during employment, and for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for two years after terminating employment with all Group Members not, directly or indirectly, to recruit, solicit or otherwise induce or influence any customer, supplier, sales representative, lender, lessor, lessee or any other person having a business relationship with the Group (or any Group Member) to discontinue or reduce the extent of that relationship except in the course of discharging the duties described in this Agreement and with the good faith objective of advancing the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) business interests. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties agree that this provision shall apply to customers only for one year after termination of Executive’s employment.
1.05      Non-Competition . The Executive agrees that for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for one year after terminating employment with all Group Members not, directly or indirectly, to accept employment with, act as a consultant to, or otherwise perform services for any business that directly competes with the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) business, which is understood by the Parties to be retailers engaged in the sale of branded shoes, or discount shoes and/or off-price shoes regardless of whether such retailers are department stores, specialty retail stores and/or or online footwear retailers. Illustrations of businesses that compete with the Group’s business include, but are not limited to, Amazon ; Famous Footwear; Footstar; Kohl’s ; Macy’s; Nordstrom , Nordstrom Rack; Off-Broadway Shoes; Payless ShoeSource; Shoe Carnival; The TJX Companies, Inc. (T.J. Maxx; Marshall’s; The Maxx; Marmaxx); and Zappos. The Company agrees that this Agreement shall not restrict Executive from employment with any retailers that do not offer the sale of shoes and/or apparel. .
1.06      Post-Termination Cooperation . As is required of the Executive during employment, the Executive agrees that during and after employment with any Group Members and without additional compensation (other than reimbursement for reasonable associated expenses), to cooperate with the Group (and with each Group Member) in the following areas:
[1]      Cooperation With the Company . The Executive agrees [a]  to be reasonably available to answer questions for the Group’s (and any Group Member’s) officers regarding any matter, project, initiative or effort for which the Executive was responsible while employed by any Group Member and [b]  to cooperate with the Group (and with each Group Member) during the course of all third-party proceedings arising out of the Group’s (and any Group Member’s) business about which the Executive has knowledge or information. For purposes of this Agreement, [c]  “proceedings” includes internal investigations, administrative investigations or proceedings and lawsuits (including pre-trial





discovery and trial testimony) and [d]  “cooperation” includes [i]  the Executive’s being reasonably available for interviews, meetings, depositions, hearings and/or trials without the need for subpoena or assurances by the Group (or any Group Member), [ii]  providing any and all documents in the Executive’s possession that relate to the proceeding, and [iii]  providing assistance in locating any and all relevant notes and/or documents.
[2]      Cooperation With Third Parties . Unless compelled to do so by lawfully-served subpoena or court order, the Executive agrees not to communicate with, or give statements or testimony to, any opposing attorney, opposing attorney’s representative (including private investigator) or current or former employee relating to any matter (including pending or threatened lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information as defined in Section 1.02[2]) as a result of employment with the Group (or any Group Member) except in cooperation with the Company. The Executive also agrees to notify the Senior Vice President of Human Resources immediately after being contacted by a third party or receiving a subpoena or court order to appear and testify with respect to any matter affected by this section.
[3]      Cooperation With Media . The Executive agrees not to communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television or radio media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatened lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information as defined in Section 1.02[2]) as a result of employment with the Group (or any Group Member). The Executive also agrees to notify the Senior Vice President of Human Resources immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
1.07      Non-Disparagement . The Executive and the Company (on its behalf and on behalf of the Group and each Group Member) agree that neither will make any disparaging remarks about the other and the Executive will not make any disparaging remarks about the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or any of the Group’s senior executives. However, this section will not preclude [1]  any remarks that may be made by the Executive under the terms of Section 1.06[2] or that are required to discharge the duties described in this Agreement or [2]  the Company from making (or eliciting from any person) disparaging remarks about the Executive concerning any conduct that may lead to a termination for Cause, as defined in Section 2.03 (including initiating an inquiry or investigation that may result in a termination for Cause), but only to the extent reasonably necessary to investigate the Executive’s conduct and to protect the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) interests.
1.08      Notice of Subsequent Employment. The Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company of any subsequent employment during the period of salary continuation after employment terminates.
1.09      Nondisclosure. The Executive agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement in any manner to any person other than the Executive’s manager, one of the Company’s Vice Presidents of Human Resources (or any Company representative they expressly approve for such disclosure), the Executive’s personal attorney, accountant and financial advisor, and the Executive’s immediate family or as otherwise required by law.
1.10      Remedies . The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Group for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach of any provision of Section 1.00. For this reason, any disputes arising under Section 1.00 will not be subject to arbitration under Section 6.00. Instead, if the Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of Section 1.00, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain any breach or threatened breach of Section 1.00.
1.11      Return of Company Property. Upon termination of employment, the Executive agrees to promptly return to the Company all property belonging to the Group or any Group Member.
2.00      TERMINATION AND RELATED BENEFITS
2.01      Rules of General Application. The following rules apply generally to the implementation of Section 2.00:
[1]      Method of Payment. If the amount of any installment payments is or becomes less than or equal to the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Company may elect to pay such remaining installments as a lump sum.





[2]      Application of Pro Rata . Any pro rata share required to be paid under Section 2.00 will be based on the number of days between the first day of the fiscal year during which the Executive terminates employment and the date that the Executive terminates employment divided by the number of days in the fiscal year during which the Executive terminates employment.
2.02      Involuntary Termination Without Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause (as defined below) by delivering to the Executive a written notice specifying the date termination is to be effective. If all requirements of this Agreement are met, the Company will make the following payments to the Executive as of the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause:
[1]      Base Salary. For twelve (12) months beginning on the date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, the Company will continue to pay the Executive’s base salary at the rate in effect on the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause. If such amount exceeds two times the annual compensation limit prescribed by Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Involuntary Termination Limit”), then the Company will pay the severance obligation described in this Section 2.02[1] in two payment streams. The first payment stream will be equal to the Involuntary Termination Limit, and the Company will pay this amount in 12 monthly installments, beginning on the date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause. The amount of the second payment stream will equal the amount in excess of the Involuntary Termination Limit. The Company will pay this amount in six monthly installments beginning on the date that is six months after the date of the Executive’s Involuntary Termination Without Cause. As a condition of this salary continuation, the Executive is expected to promptly and reasonably pursue new employment. If during the salary continuation period the Executive becomes employed either as an employee or a consultant, the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company will be reduced by 50% of the Base Salary amount for the remainder of the salary continuation period. The Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company of any subsequent employment or consulting work during the period of salary continuation.
[2]      Health Care . The Company will reimburse the Executive for the cost of maintaining continuing health coverage under COBRA for a period of no more than twelve (12) months following the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, less the amount the Executive is expected to pay as a regular employee premium for such coverage. Such reimbursements will cease if the Executive becomes eligible for similar coverage under another benefit plan.
[3]      Cash Incentive Bonus . The Company will pay to the Executive the pro- rata share of any Cash Incentive Bonus that would have been paid to the Executive had the Executive not been involuntarily terminated Without Cause. The pro-rated bonus will be calculated based on the extent to which performance standards are met on the last day of the year in which the Executive is involuntarily terminated Without Cause and will be paid at the same time as all other participants.

[4]      Equity Incentives . Subject to the terms of the DSW Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, the DSW Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, any future shareholder approved Company equity plan, and any applicable agreement, the Executive shall have the following rights:

[a] For these purposes, Award means any award granted under the
DSW Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, the DSW Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, any future shareholder approved Company equity plan, and any other agreement, as such term is defined in the applicable plan.

[b]
Executive may exercise any outstanding Awards that are vested on the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause.

[c]
With respect to Awards that would vest solely upon the passage of time and such vesting date would occur within the 12 month period following the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, such Award shall vest and, if applicable, be awarded to Executive as of the date of termination Without Cause.

[d]
With respect to Awards that would vest upon the satisfaction of a specified requirement, or upon satisfaction of the passage of time and satisfaction of a specified requirement; in the event that all such requirements are satisfied prior to the expiration of the 12 month period following the date of





termination Without Cause, such Award shall vest and be awarded to Executive upon the satisfaction of all applicable requirements.
 
In any event, Executive must exercise any vested Awards during the three-month period following the date of vesting.

[5]      Other . Any rights accruing to the Executive under any employee benefit plan, fund or program maintained by any Group Member will be distributed or made available as required by the terms of the plan fund or program or as required by law.
2.03      Definition of Cause. For these purposes, Cause means the Executive’s [a]  breach of Section 1.00 of this Agreement; [b] willful, illegal or grossly negligent conduct that is materially injurious to the Company or any Group Member monetarily or otherwise; [c]  violation of laws or regulations governing the Company or to any Group Member; [d]  breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company or any Group Member; [e]  misrepresentation or dishonesty which the Company determines has had or is likely to have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s or any Group Member’s operations or financial condition; [f]  involvement in any act of moral turpitude that has an injurious effect on the Company (or any Group Member) or its reputation; or [g]  breach of the terms of any non-solicitation or confidentiality clauses contained in an standard executive employment agreement(s) with a former employer. The Company’s dissatisfaction with the Executive’s performance, or the business results achieved, shall not, in and of itself, constitute Cause under this Section.
2.04      Subsequent Information . The terms of Section 2.03 will apply if, after the Executive terminates, the Company learns of an event that, had it been known before the Executive terminated employment, would have justified a termination for Cause. In this case, the Company will be entitled to recover (and the Executive agrees to repay) any amounts (other than legally protected benefits) that the Executive received.
For purposes of this Agreement, Without Cause means termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason other than those set forth in Section 2.03 or 2.04.
3.00      NOTICE
3.01      How Given . Any notice permitted or required to be given under this Agreement must be given in writing and delivered in person or by registered, U.S. mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or through Federal Express, UPS, DHL or any other reputable professional delivery service that maintains a confirmation of delivery system. Any delivery must be addressed to the Company’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources at the Company’s then-current corporate offices or to the Executive at the Executive’s address as contained in the Executive’s personnel file.
3.02      Effective Date . Any notice permitted or required to be given under this Agreement will be effective on the date it is delivered, in the event of personal delivery, or on the date its receipt is acknowledged, in the event of delivery by registered mail or through a professional delivery service described in Section 3.01.
4.00      RELEASE
In exchange for the payments and benefits described in section 2.02 of this Agreement, upon termination the Executive and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees and assigns (together, the “Executive Representatives”) agree to execute a release forever discharging the Company, the Group and each Group Member and their executives, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns, from any and all claims, suits and/or causes of action that grow out of or are in any way related to the Executive’s recruitment to or employment with the Company and all Group Members, other than: (i) any claim that the Company has breached this Agreement, and (ii) any charge filed with an administrative agency (although Executive and Executive Representatives waives any right to recover any money or other benefits arising from such charge(s)).. This release includes, but is not limited to, any claims that the Company, the Group or any Group Member violated the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); the Family and Medical Leave Act; any law prohibiting discrimination, harassment or retaliation in employment; any claim of promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress; or the public policy of any state, or any federal, state or local law. If the Executive or the Executive Representatives fails to execute this release, the Executive or the Executive Representatives agrees to forego any payment from the Company as if the Executive had terminated employment voluntarily. Specifically, the Executive and Executive Representatives agree that a necessary condition for the payment of any of the amounts described in Section 2.00 in the event of termination is the Executive’s or the Executive Representatives’ execution of this release upon termination of employment.





The Executive acknowledges that the Executive is an experienced senior executive knowledgeable about the claims that might arise in the course of employment with the Company and knowingly agrees that the payments upon termination provided for in this Agreement are satisfactory consideration for the release of all possible claims. The Executive is advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement. Upon termination, the Executive or the Executive Representatives will receive 21 days to consider this release. The Executive or the Executive Representatives may revoke consent to the release by delivering a written notice of such revocation to the Company within seven days of signing the release. If the Executive or Executive Representatives revokes consent to the release, the release will become null and void and the Executive or the Executive Representatives must return any compensation received under Section 2.02 of this Agreement, except salary the Executive earned for actual work.
5.00      INSURANCE
To the extent permitted by law and its organizational documents, the Company will include the Executive under any liability insurance policy the Company maintains for employees of comparable status. The level of coverage will be at least as favorable to the Executive (in amount and each other material respect) as the coverage of other employees of comparable status. This obligation to provide insurance for the Executive will survive termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company or with any Group Member.
6.00      ARBITRATION
6.01      Acknowledgement of Arbitration. Unless stated otherwise in this Agreement, the Parties agree that arbitration is the sole and exclusive remedy for each of them to resolve and redress any dispute, claim or controversy involving the interpretation of this Agreement or the terms, conditions or termination of this Agreement or the terms, conditions or termination of Executive’s employment with the Group and with each Group Member, including any claims for any tort, breach of contract, violation of public policy or discrimination, whether such claim arises under federal or state law.
6.02      Scope of Arbitration . The Executive expressly understands and agrees that claims subject to arbitration under this section include asserted violations of the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); the Family and Medical Leave Act; any law prohibiting discrimination, harassment or retaliation in employment; any claim of promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress; or the public policy of any state, or any federal, state or local law.
6.03      Effect of Arbitration . The Parties intend that any arbitration award relating to any matter described in Section 6.00 will be final and binding on them and that a judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction, and enforcement may be had according to the terms of that award. This section will survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
6.04      Location of Arbitration . Arbitration will be held in Columbus, Ohio, and will be conducted by a retired federal judge or other qualified arbitrator. The arbitrator will be mutually agreed upon by the Parties and the arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The Parties will have the right to conduct discovery pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; provided, however, that the arbitrator will have the authority to establish an expedited discovery schedule and cutoff and to resolve any discovery disputes. The arbitrator will have no jurisdiction or authority to change any provision of this Agreement by alterations of, additions to or subtractions from the terms of this Agreement. The arbitrator’s sole authority will be to interpret or apply any provision(s) of this Agreement or any public law alleged to have been violated. The arbitrator will be limited to awarding compensatory damages, including unpaid wages or benefits, but, to the extent allowed by law, will have no authority to award punitive, exemplary or similar-type damages.
6.05      Time for Initiating Arbitration . Any claim or controversy not sought to be submitted to arbitration, in writing, within 120 days of the date the Party asserting the claim knew, or through reasonable diligence should have known, of the facts giving rise to that Party’s claim, will be deemed waived and the Party asserting the claim will have no further right to seek arbitration or recovery with respect to that claim or controversy. Both Parties agree to strictly comply with the time limitation specified in Section 6.00. For purposes of this section, a claim or controversy is sought to be submitted to arbitration on the date the complaining Party gives written notice to the other that [1]  an issue has arisen or is likely to arise that, unless resolved otherwise, may be resolved through arbitration under Section 6.00 and [2]  unless the issue is resolved otherwise, the complaining Party intends to submit the matter to arbitration under the terms of Section 6.00.





6.06      Costs of Arbitration . The Company will bear the arbitrator’s fee and other costs associated with any arbitration, unless the arbitrator, acting under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b), elects to award these fees to the Company.
6.07      Arbitration Exclusive Remedy . The Parties acknowledge that, because arbitration is the exclusive remedy for resolving issues arising under this Agreement, neither Party may resort to any federal, state or local court or administrative agency concerning breaches of this Agreement or any other matter subject to arbitration under Section 6.00, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, and that the decision of the arbitrator will be a complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted in any federal, state or local court before any administrative agency with respect to any arbitrable claim or controversy.
6.08      Waiver of Jury . The Executive and the Company each waive the right to have a claim or dispute with one another decided in a judicial forum or by a jury, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
7.00      GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.01      Representation of Executive . The Executive represents and warrants that the Executive is not under any contractual or legal restraint that prevents or prohibits the Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing the duties and obligations described in this Agreement.
7.02      Modification or Waiver; Entire Agreement . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived except in a document signed by the Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or other person designated by the Company’s Board of Directors. This Agreement, the Letter Agreement, and any attachments referenced in this Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the employment relationship described in this Agreement, and any other agreements are terminated and of no further force or legal effect. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company have been made or relied upon by either Party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement, the Letter Agreement, or in any attachments referenced in this Agreement.
7.03      Governing Law; Severability . This Agreement is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to the extent permitted by, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any provision of this Agreement to any person or circumstance, is, for any reason and to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity and unenforceability will not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement of its application to other persons or circumstances, all of which will be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law and the Executive and the Company agree that the arbitrator (or judge) is authorized to reform the invalid or enforceable provision [1]  to the extent needed to avoid the invalidity or unenforceability and [2]  in a manner that is as similar as possible to the intent (as described in this Agreement). The validity, construction and interpretation of this Agreement and the rights and duties of the Parties will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without reference to the Ohio choice of law rules.
7.04      No Waiver . Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.05, failure to insist upon strict compliance with any term of this Agreement will not be considered a waiver of any such term.
7.05 Withholding . All payments made to the Executive under this Agreement will be reduced by any amount:
[1]      That the Company is required to withhold in advance payment of the Executive’s federal, state and local income, wage and employment tax liability; and
[2]     To the extent allowed by law, that the Executive owes (or, after employment is deemed to owe) to the Company.
However, application of Section 7.05[2] will not extinguish the Company’s right to seek additional amounts from the Executive (or to pursue other appropriate remedies) to the extent that the amount that may be recovered by application of Section 7.05[2] does not fully discharge the amount the Executive owes to the Company and does not preclude the Company from proceeding directly against the Executive without first exhausting its right of recovery under Section 7.05[2].
7.06      Survival . Subject to the terms of the Executive’s Beneficiary designation form, the Parties agree that the covenants and promises set forth in this Agreement will survive the termination of this Agreement and continue in full force and effect.







7.07      Miscellaneous .
[1]     The Executive may not assign any right or interest to, or in, any payments payable under this Agreement; provided, however, that this prohibition does not preclude the Executive from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and does not preclude the legal representative of the Executive’s estate from assigning any right under this Agreement to the person or persons entitled to it.
[2]     This Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and the Company and its successors.
[3]     The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not be a part of or control or affect the meaning of any provision of the Agreement.
7.08      Successors to Company . This Agreement may and will be assigned or transferred to, and will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of, any successor of the Company, and any successor will be substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or business entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase or otherwise, acquires all or essentially all of the assets of the business of the Company. Notwithstanding any assignment, the Company will remain, with any successor, jointly and severally liable for all its obligations under this Agreement.
7.09      IRC Section 409A Compliance. The parties will administer this Agreement in a good faith attempt to avoid imposition on Executive of penalties under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the guidance promulgated thereunder. If Executive is a “specified employee” as defined under Section 409A, and to the extent any payments under this Agreement are otherwise payable in the period beginning with the termination date and ending six months after the termination date and would subject Executive to penalties under Section 409A, such payments will be delayed, aggregated, and paid as soon as practicable after the date that is six months after the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “termination of employment” or any similar term shall be interpreted consistent with the definition of “separation from service” under Section 409A.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed and delivered this Agreement, which includes an arbitration provision, and consists of 13 pages.
Date:
May 1, 2017
By:
/s/ Michele Love
 
 
 
Michele Love
 
 
 
Executive
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Thomas Jessep
 
 
 
Thomas Jessep
 
 
 
SVP Human Resources





EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Roger Rawlins, certify that:
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSW Inc.;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:
(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
May 25, 2017
By:
/s/ Roger Rawlins
 
 
Roger Rawlins
 
 
Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Jared Poff, certify that:
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSW Inc.;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
May 25, 2017
By:
/s/ Jared Poff
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT 32.1

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION*

In connection with the Quarterly Report of DSW Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 29, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Roger Rawlins, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

May 25, 2017
By:
/s/ Roger Rawlins
 
 
Roger Rawlins
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
*
This Certification is being furnished as required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This Certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by 18 U.S.C. § 1350 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





EXHIBIT 32.2

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION*

In connection with the Quarterly Report of DSW Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 29, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jared Poff, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

May 25, 2017
By:
/s/ Jared Poff
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
*
This Certification is being furnished as required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This Certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by 18 U.S.C. § 1350 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.