RTW Retailwinds Q4 comparable sales down 7.4 percent, names new CEO

Fourth quarter net sales at RTW Retailwinds, Inc. were 224 million dollars compared to 247.3 million dollars in the prior year, reflecting a 7.4 percent reduction in comparable store sales, and a reduction in store count. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 460 basis points to 24.2 percent. GAAP operating loss for the fourth quarter was 39.8 million dollars, while non-GAAP operating loss was 19 million dollars, which compares to the prior year’s non-GAAP operating income of 0.1 million dollars.

Commenting on the trading performance, Gregory Scott, Chief Executive Office of RTW Retailwinds, stated: “We were disappointed with our fourth quarter and fiscal 2019 performance stemming from declines in store traffic and continued weakness in our casual lifestyle sub-brand. We are announcing our plan to permanently close up to 150 locations in the next 18 months as part of our transformation to a digital first portfolio of brands.”

RTW Retailwinds’ full year sales drop

Net sales for the full year, the company said in a statement, were 827 million dollars compared to 893.2 million dollars for fiscal year 2018 with comparable store sales decrease of 5.4 percent. GAAP operating loss was 61.9 million dollars, while on a non-GAAP basis, adjusted operating loss was 35.8 million dollars compared to GAAP operating income of 6.5 million dollars and non-GAAP, adjusted operating income of 10.2 million dollars for fiscal year 2018.

Regarding the first quarter, Scott added: “We opened the quarter with well-managed inventory levels declining by 8 percent. While February and early March trends were largely in-line with our expectations, the recent developments surrounding the coronavirus have negatively impacted mall traffic. In the immediate term, we are temporarily closing all New York & Company and Fashion to Figure stores through March 28th, 2020.”

Traci Inglis to replace Gregory Scott as RTW Retailwinds new CEO

The company also announced the appointment of Traci Inglis, current president and chief marketing and customer officer as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company’s board of directors, effective April 17, 2020. The company added that Gregory Scott, who has directed the company’s strategy for almost a decade has decided to relocate to California for personal reasons and therefore will step down from his role as chief executive officer.

Commenting on the development, Grace Nichols, Non-Executive Chair of the board stated: “Under Greg’s leadership, the Company has developed exclusive brands with national appeal, increased its digital presence to reach 30 percent of total sales and diversified its customers served with the acquisition of Fashion to Figure. Most importantly, Greg has developed a strong management team, including the addition of Traci Inglis. We believe that Traci is the perfect choice to direct and execute the vision for the company.”

Traci Inglis was named president, chief marketing and customer officer, effective June 10, 2019. Inglis joined the company from TechStyle Fashion Group, where she most recently served as president of Global Fashion Brands since March 2017. She joined TechStyle Fashion Group in 2013, where she held various marketing positions prior to her appointment as president of JustFab, Fabkids, and Shoedazzle. Prior to joining TechStyle Fashion Group, she spent nearly two years as the director of digital marketing and CRM at Hot Topic Inc. From 2007 to 2012, Inglis was a director and senior director of strategy and market research at Westfield. Prior to joining Westfield, she held various marketing management roles at Express and Alliance Data Systems.

Picture:Facebook/Fashion to Figure