Caleres, Inc. (CAL): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the story behind the shoes you wear? Let's dive into Caleres Inc. (NYSE: CAL), a footwear giant with a rich history dating back to 1878, but how exactly does this company operate and generate revenue in today's competitive market? Keep reading to discover Caleres' journey from its humble beginnings to its current position as a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven brands, boasting $2.72 billion in net sales for fiscal year 2024 and brands like Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, and Dr. Scholl's Shoes.

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) History

Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was established in 1878.

Original location

The company was founded in St. Louis, Missouri.

Founding team members

The founding team consisted of George Brown and Alonzo Hyde, who started the business as Bryan, Brown and Company.

Initial capital/funding

Details on the initial capital or funding are not readily available in the provided search results.

Evolution Milestones

Transformative Moments

• Diversification and Acquisitions: The strategic acquisitions of brands like Buster Brown and Famous Footwear significantly broadened the company's market reach and product offerings.
• Shift to Branded Retail: Expanding into branded retail allowed the company to control its brand image and customer experience more directly.
• Corporate Identity Evolution: The name change to Caleres, Inc. in 2015 symbolized a strategic pivot towards a more diversified and brand-focused business model.
• Leadership Transitions: The appointments of Diane Sullivan as Executive Chairman and Kenneth Hannah as CEO in 2020, followed by Jay Schmidt as President in 2023, marked key shifts in leadership aimed at steering the company through evolving market dynamics.

For more insights into the company's investors and financial health, check out: Exploring Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Ownership Structure

Caleres, Inc. operates as a publicly traded company, with its ownership distributed among various institutional and individual investors.

Caleres, Inc.'s Current Status

Caleres, Inc. is a public company, trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol CAL. This means that ownership is distributed among public shareholders, who can buy and sell shares of the company on the open market.

Caleres, Inc.'s Ownership Breakdown

As a publicly traded company, the ownership of Caleres, Inc. is distributed among a mix of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. Here is an approximate overview of the ownership breakdown based on the latest available data:

Caleres, Inc.'s Leadership

The leadership team is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Caleres, Inc. and overseeing its operations. Key members of the leadership team as of April 2025 include:

• Jay Schmidt: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
• Michael J. McGee: President
• Kenneth H. Hannah: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

To gain further insights into the company's guiding principles, refer to Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Caleres, Inc. (CAL).

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Mission and Values

Caleres, Inc. aims to inspire people to feel good from the ground up with its diverse portfolio of footwear brands. The company's core values reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Caleres, Inc.'s Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Caleres, Inc.'s mission statement is: 'To inspire people to feel good… feet first.' This mission drives the company's focus on creating and delivering footwear that meets the diverse needs and desires of its customers. The company strives to provide quality, stylish, and comfortable shoes that enhance the lives of its customers. Exploring Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Vision statement

While a specific, formally declared vision statement is not explicitly available in recent public disclosures, an understanding of Caleres' vision can be inferred from their strategic objectives and corporate presentations. The company's vision is to build a portfolio of brands that caters to a wide range of consumer segments, ensuring sustained growth and market leadership. This involves:

• Expanding brand presence through strategic acquisitions and licensing agreements.
• Enhancing operational efficiency and supply chain management to improve profitability.
• Investing in innovative product development and marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
• Fostering a culture of inclusivity and social responsibility, aligning business practices with ethical standards.

Company slogan/tagline

Caleres, Inc. uses the tagline 'Feel Good From the Ground Up.' This slogan encapsulates the company's commitment to providing footwear that not only looks good but also enhances the wearer's overall sense of well-being. The tagline is a reflection of the company's focus on comfort, quality, and style, and it serves as a reminder of the positive impact that well-designed footwear can have on people's lives.

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) How It Works

Caleres, Inc. operates as a global footwear company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to various consumer segments through a multi-channel distribution network.

Caleres, Inc.'s Product/Service Portfolio

Caleres, Inc.'s Operational Framework

Caleres manages its operations through a comprehensive framework that integrates design, sourcing, distribution, and retail to deliver value to its customers. Key aspects of this framework include:

• Design and Product Development: Caleres focuses on anticipating fashion trends and consumer preferences to design footwear that meets market demands.
• Sourcing and Supply Chain: The company operates a global supply chain to source materials and manufacture products efficiently, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Multi-Channel Distribution: Caleres distributes its products through a variety of channels, including:
  • Company-owned stores: Retail locations that showcase the company's brands and provide a direct connection to consumers.
  • Wholesale partners: Department stores, online retailers, and independent retailers that carry Caleres' brands.
  • E-commerce: Direct-to-consumer sales through brand-specific websites and online marketplaces.
• Marketing and Brand Management: Caleres invests in marketing and brand-building activities to create awareness, drive demand, and enhance brand equity.

Caleres, Inc.'s Strategic Advantages

Caleres possesses several strategic advantages that contribute to its competitive positioning and market success:

• Diverse Brand Portfolio: The company's wide range of brands allows it to cater to different consumer segments and price points, reducing its reliance on any single brand or market.
• Multi-Channel Distribution Network: Caleres' ability to reach consumers through multiple channels provides flexibility and resilience in a rapidly changing retail environment.
• Strong Relationships with Retailers: Long-standing partnerships with major retailers provide Caleres with access to valuable shelf space and distribution networks.
• Focus on Innovation and Comfort: Caleres continues to invest in new technologies and materials to enhance the comfort, fit, and performance of its footwear.

Learn more about investor profile of the company here: Exploring Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) How It Makes Money

Caleres, Inc. primarily makes money through the design, sourcing, marketing, and retail of footwear. The company operates through a combination of branded and retail channels, offering a diverse portfolio of shoes for various consumer needs.

Caleres, Inc.'s Revenue Breakdown

Caleres, Inc. generates revenue through two primary segments: Brand Portfolio and Famous Footwear. The Brand Portfolio includes a variety of owned and licensed brands, while Famous Footwear operates as a chain of retail stores.

Caleres, Inc.'s Business Economics

Caleres, Inc.'s business economics are influenced by several key factors:

• Pricing Strategies: The company employs varied pricing strategies depending on the brand and retail channel. Premium brands within the Brand Portfolio command higher prices, while Famous Footwear focuses on providing value-oriented options.
• Sourcing and Supply Chain: Efficient sourcing and supply chain management are crucial for maintaining profitability. Caleres works with a global network of suppliers to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Retail Operations: The performance of Famous Footwear stores significantly impacts overall revenue. Factors such as store location, customer traffic, and inventory management play vital roles.
• Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Caleres, Inc. (CAL).

Caleres, Inc.'s Financial Performance

Key aspects of Caleres, Inc.'s financial performance include:

• Revenue Trends: Monitoring the annual revenue from both the Brand Portfolio and Famous Footwear segments provides insights into the company's overall growth trajectory.
• Gross Margin: The gross margin, which is revenue less the cost of goods sold, indicates the profitability of Caleres' products. A higher gross margin suggests greater efficiency in sourcing and production.
• Operating Income: Operating income reflects the earnings from Caleres' core business operations, excluding interest and taxes. It's a key indicator of the company's profitability.
• Net Income: Net income, or the bottom line, represents Caleres' total earnings after all expenses and taxes. It's a critical measure of overall financial health.
• Cash Flow: Analyzing cash flow from operations, investing, and financing activities provides a comprehensive view of Caleres' liquidity and financial stability.

Caleres, Inc. (CAL) Market Position & Future Outlook

Caleres, Inc. is navigating a dynamic market with a focus on delivering exceptional products and experiences to its customers, positioning itself for sustained growth. The company aims to leverage its brand portfolio and operational capabilities to capitalize on emerging trends and maintain a competitive edge in the footwear industry. You can explore more about their guiding principles here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Caleres, Inc. (CAL).

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Caleres, Inc. holds a significant position within the footwear industry, characterized by:

• A multi-brand portfolio catering to diverse consumer segments.
• A well-established retail footprint through Famous Footwear and other branded stores.
• Growing emphasis on digital channels and e-commerce to drive sales and enhance customer engagement.

The company's success hinges on effectively managing its supply chain, adapting to changing consumer trends, and maintaining a strong brand reputation.