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    Mitch Kummetz

    Senior Analyst at Seaport Research Partners

    Mitch Kummetz is a Senior Analyst at Seaport Research Partners, focusing on the footwear and apparel sector with extensive coverage of companies such as Wolverine World Wide, Deckers Outdoor, and Shoe Carnival. Known for providing timely investment calls, he has raised price targets and maintained Buy ratings on key names, demonstrating a strong understanding of industry dynamics. Kummetz has built his career as an equity analyst, with previous experience covering footwear companies for other firms prior to joining Seaport Research Partners. His professional credentials include securities licenses and regular participation in earnings calls and investor conferences, helping institutional clients interpret strategic developments for top consumer brands.

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to GENESCO (GCO) leadership

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to GENESCO (GCO) leadership • Q2 2026

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz inquired about the evolution of the product assortment at Journeys since the pivot began a year ago, the progress in targeting a wider teen audience, the drivers behind the strong Q3-to-date comps, and the performance dynamics at the Schuh brand in the UK.

    Answer

    Mimi Vaughn, Chairman, President & CEO, explained that Journeys' assortment is now broader and deeper in successful brands, building on last year's momentum. She noted that efforts to reach a wider audience are in the "very early days." Vaughn confirmed that the current double-digit comps at Journeys are on top of double-digit comps from the same period last year. For Schuh, she acknowledged that comps turned positive in July but noted the UK market remains volatile and promotional, which is expected to continue.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to GENESCO (GCO) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz from Seaport Research Partners asked for clarity on the Q2 outlook for Journeys, the key drivers for growth in the second half against tougher comparisons, and the potential impact of price increases on "must-have" items.

    Answer

    CEO Mimi Vaughn and CFO Cassandra Harris clarified that while Journeys' Q2 comp is tracking well, the overall company guidance accounts for softness in other divisions. For the back half, Vaughn highlighted the strategy of serving a larger teen market, the significant sales lift from the 4.0 store remodels, and improved product allocation as key drivers. Regarding pricing, Vaughn stated they do not expect to absorb margin hits from tariffs and that brands with momentum have more ability to increase prices, though all partners are proceeding cautiously.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to GENESCO (GCO) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners inquired about the progress of Journeys' product assortment, the impact of brand partners noticing recent success, the effects of store optimization on productivity, the rollout plan for the new store concept, specific guidance for Journeys' Q4 comparable sales, and details on new demand creation strategies.

    Answer

    Mimi Vaughn, Board Chair, President and CEO, explained that Journeys' assortment is now more diversified across 7-8 brands, moving beyond the previous focus on canvas products. She stated that strong brand partnerships are improving access to athletic styles and that the company is in the "early innings" of its turnaround. Regarding stores, she noted the strategy is to optimize the footprint and drive productivity in the best locations with a new, cleaner store concept, with 10 open and at least 15 more planned for next year. For Q4, she guided to positive comps for Journeys, though not at Q3's 11% level, highlighting strong full-price selling. Demand creation efforts include building a new brand purpose, increasing marketing on platforms like TikTok, and leveraging the 4 million-member loyalty program.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC /DE/ (WWW) leadership

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC /DE/ (WWW) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners asked for a breakdown of Saucony's Q2 growth between new and existing doors and how that informs the back-half outlook. He also inquired about the drivers behind the recent improvement in the overall hike category.

    Answer

    CEO Christopher Hufnagel stated that new door expansion drove 'well less than half' of Saucony's Q2 growth, emphasizing the broad-based momentum across channels, regions, and product types. Regarding the hike category, he suggested the improvement could be due to lapping weak periods, but also credited market leaders like Merrell for bringing innovation and energy to the category.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to Zumiez (ZUMZ) leadership

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to Zumiez (ZUMZ) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners inquired about the impact of tariffs on the business, including Zumiez's sourcing exposure to China, the effect on COGS, and mitigation strategies. He also asked about the drivers behind the negative performance in the 'other international' segment and the company's plan to improve results in Europe.

    Answer

    Chief Financial Officer Christopher Work detailed the company's proactive tariff mitigation, including diversifying sourcing away from China with a goal to reduce exposure from 50% to under 30% by year-end. He explained that a combination of working with brand partners, selective price adjustments, and promotional strategies should allow for modest product margin growth. Regarding international performance, Work acknowledged the slow start in Europe but noted the focus remains on profitability, product newness, and margin management ahead of the critical fourth quarter, adding that some of the May weakness was due to timing shifts.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to Zumiez (ZUMZ) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners questioned Zumiez about the impact of tariffs, its China sourcing exposure, and mitigation strategies. He also followed up on the outlook for product margins amid these cost pressures and inquired about the strategic plan to address the significant sales decline in the 'Other International' segment, particularly in Europe.

    Answer

    CFO Christopher Work detailed the company's proactive tariff mitigation, including reducing China sourcing from 50% to a target of 30% by year-end and aiming for no single country to exceed 20% long-term. He stated that a mix of sourcing diversification, vendor partnerships, and selective price adjustments allows them to project modest product margin growth. Regarding the international weakness, Work acknowledged the slow start in Europe but noted a focus on new products, margin control, and inventory management, emphasizing that the key fourth quarter will be critical for the segment's performance.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to Zumiez (ZUMZ) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz inquired about the impact of tariffs, seeking details on China sourcing exposure, the effect on COGS for private label and third-party brands, and mitigation strategies. He also asked how the company expects to achieve product margin growth despite these pressures and questioned the drivers behind the significant negative comps in the 'other international' segment and the strategy for improvement.

    Answer

    CFO Christopher Work explained that the company is proactively managing tariffs by diversifying its sourcing base, aiming to reduce China exposure from 50% to under 30% by year-end. He stated that a combination of collaborating with brand partners, adjusting pricing and promotional strategies, and managing costs allows for the projection of modest product margin growth. Regarding the international segment, Work acknowledged a slow start in Europe but noted the fourth quarter is most critical. The focus remains on introducing product newness, controlling expenses, and managing inventory to improve profitability.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to SHOE CARNIVAL (SCVL) leadership

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to SHOE CARNIVAL (SCVL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners questioned the sustainability of the strong initial results from rebannered stores, the financial impact of accelerating the rebannering plan into the next fiscal year, and the comp sales assumptions in the Q2 guidance. He also asked about new brand additions for back-to-school and the potential impact of tariffs on costs, concluding with a question on the long-term viability of the Shoe Carnival banner.

    Answer

    President & CEO Mark Worden cited a lapping rebannered store that is still comping positive as evidence of sustainable performance and confirmed new brand additions are focused on the Shoe Station banner. CFO Patrick Edwards detailed the acceleration of the P&L investment into the current fiscal year. Regarding tariffs, Worden expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the company's non-wholesaler status and strong balance sheet for opportunistic buys, stating no material cost impacts have been seen to date. He also acknowledged the potential synergies of a full conversion to Shoe Station, a possibility the company will begin testing in 2026.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to SHOE CARNIVAL (SCVL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz from Seaport Research Partners asked about the sustainability of strong initial results from rebannered stores and sought details on the P&L impact of the accelerated conversion plan for the next fiscal year. He also inquired about the comp sales assumption in the Q2 guidance and whether the company's outlook on potential tariffs has changed.

    Answer

    President & CEO Mark Worden indicated that early data shows rebannered stores sustain growth into their second year, suggesting long-term success. CFO Patrick Edwards explained that P&L investment costs are being accelerated and will increase beyond prior disclosures, with more details to come. Worden added that the Q2 guidance assumes similar recent trends and that despite tariff headlines, the company has not seen material cost impacts that would alter its annual guidance, citing opportunistic inventory buys as a buffer.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership

    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz of Seaport Research Partners sought more detail on the 'encouraging' early sales from the Jordan launch, including any quantifiable store lift. He asked about the timing of the all-door rollout for back-to-school, the immediate customs impact of the tariff block, the forward-looking implications of the quarter's cost impacts (sourcing, inventory, bad debt), and the reason for the SG&A dollar increase in the Brand Portfolio.

    Answer

    President & CEO Jay Schmidt shared that while it's too early for lift data, Jordan's men's, boys', and accessories lines are tracking well, with a strong $100 price point, and confirmed a mid-July all-door rollout. He described the tariff situation as too new and fluid to comment on customs impact. SVP & CFO Jack Calandra explained that inventory reserves are largely addressed for spring, but tariff and credit issues could persist. Jay Schmidt attributed the Brand Portfolio's SG&A increase primarily to international investments aimed at driving growth in 2026.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz requested more detail on the 'encouraging' early sales of the Jordan brand, the timing of its full rollout, and the immediate customs impact of the tariff block. He also asked about the forward-looking implications of Q1's sourcing costs, inventory reserves, and bad debt, and questioned the rise in SG&A for the Brand Portfolio.

    Answer

    President & CEO Jay Schmidt shared that early Jordan sales show men's, boys', and accessories tracking well, with a full rollout planned for mid-July. He noted the tariff situation is too new to assess its immediate impact. SVP & CFO Jack Calandra explained that inventory reserves for spring are largely complete, but customer credit issues could persist. Jay Schmidt attributed the Brand Portfolio's SG&A increase primarily to strategic international investments for future growth.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz sought more detail on the 'encouraging' early sales from the Jordan launch, the timing for the all-door rollout, and the immediate impact of the tariff block. He also asked about the forward-looking implications of the Q1 cost impacts from sourcing, inventory reserves, and bad debt, and questioned the reason for the SG&A dollar increase in the Brand Portfolio.

    Answer

    Jay Schmidt, President & CEO, shared that early Jordan sales showed strong performance in men's, boys, and accessories, with a full rollout planned for mid-July. He noted the tariff situation is extremely new and fluid. Jack Calandra, SVP & CFO, explained that inventory reserves for spring are likely sufficient, but customer credit issues could persist. Jay Schmidt attributed the Brand Portfolio's SG&A increase primarily to international investments aimed at driving growth in 2026.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz sought more detail on the 'encouraging' early sales of the Jordan launch, the timing for its all-door rollout, the immediate customs impact of the tariff block, the forward-looking implications of one-time costs from sourcing, inventory, and bad debt, and the reason for the SG&A dollar increase in the Brand Portfolio.

    Answer

    President & CEO Jay Schmidt shared that early Jordan sales show men's and boys' products tracking extremely well, with a full rollout planned for mid-July to align with peak back-to-school weeks. He reiterated the tariff situation is too new to comment on definitively. SVP & CFO Jack Calandra explained that inventory reserves for spring are largely accounted for, though levels will remain elevated into Q2, and customer credit issues will be monitored. He attributed the Brand Portfolio's SG&A increase primarily to strategic international investments aimed at driving growth in 2026.

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    Mitch Kummetz's questions to CALERES (CAL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Mitch Kummetz requested more detail on the 'encouraging' early sales of the Jordan brand, the immediate customs impact of the tariff block, the forward-looking implications of Q1's cost pressures (sourcing, inventory, bad debt), and the reason for increased SG&A in the Brand Portfolio.

    Answer

    President & CEO Jay Schmidt noted strong early performance in Jordan's men's, boys', and accessories lines but said it was too early for lift data. SVP & CFO Jack Calandra explained that Q1 inventory reserves should not be a recurring headwind, but customer credit issues could persist. Jay Schmidt attributed the Brand Portfolio's SG&A increase primarily to strategic international investments aimed at future growth.

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