DSW Inc. raised its EPS guidance and said it now plans to accelerate new store openings in 2012 to between 35 to 40 new stores, which is ahead of its long-term goal of 15 to 20 new stores per year.


The company raised its annual diluted earnings per share guidance to a range of $2.96 to $2.99 for fiscal 2011 from a range of $2.90 to $2.95, excluding any impact from the RVI merger and related items.  The company remains extremely disciplined in its review and assessment of new store locations, and the acceleration of its new store opening plans reflects the strong pipeline of real estate opportunities that have become available.

“Based on strong November and December sales results, we expect to exceed our previous guidance,” stated Mike MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, DSW Inc.  “We are also pleased to announce that we will be opening more new stores in 2012 than we previously planned, the majority of which will occur in the second half of 2012. The expansion of our footprint into new and existing markets is a key growth initiative for us as we further solidify our position as a destination for great brands, fashion and value in the footwear industry.”