Question · Q3 2025
Marni Shapiro asked for an update on the handbag business, noting potential disruption from late deliveries, and the apparel business, including performance at department stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's, Revolve, and Madden NYC at Walmart. She also inquired about differences in shoe side performance across department stores (higher-end vs. less fashion-focused) and price resistance for the Madden brand.
Answer
Ed Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO, explained that the handbag business was down due to excess inventory and market pressures, exacerbated by tariff disruption, but underlying demand is improving. He noted good sell-throughs and steady growth for Steve Madden apparel in key accounts, while the mass business (Madden NYC at Walmart) felt tariff pressure but is expected to improve in 2026. He expressed satisfaction with the lack of price resistance for the Madden brand, especially for fashion-forward products, attributing it to a surgical approach to price increases.