DSW Inc. (DSW) announced that fourth quarter 2013 comparable sales for the thirteen-week period ended Feb. 1, 2014 were flat compared to a 3.6 percent increase for the same period last year. Excluding luxury sales of $1 million, total Adjusted revenues decreased by 3.9 percent to $571 million, for the thirteen week period ended February 1, 2014 versus $594 million for the fourteen week period ended February 2, 2013. Excluding the impact of the fifty-third week last year, total Adjusted revenues increased by 1.6 percent.

Guidance:

The company narrowed its 2013 Adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $1.85 to $1.87 per share. Adjusted EPS excludes a 13 cents per share impact from the company's luxury test and 10 cents per share of legacy charges related to RVI. The new guidance range compares to the previous guidance of $1.80 to $1.90 per share and represents approximately 11 percent earnings growth. Full year Adjusted revenues grew by 4.1 percent to $2.35 billion, excluding luxury sales of $18 million. This was driven by a 0.2 percent increase in comparable sales and the opening of 30 new stores. Excluding the fifty-third week last year, full year Adjusted revenues increased by 5.6 percent.

Chief Financial Officer's retirement from DSW:

The company also announced Douglas Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will be retiring effective May 1, 2014, after nine years of service. Probst joined DSW Inc. in 2005 and successfully guided the company through its transition to a public company and its merger with Retail Ventures Inc. in 2011.  Helen Betsy Wallace, the company's senior vice president of finance who joined the company in May 2013, will continue to serve as the company's principal accounting officer with responsibility for accounting, treasury, tax and internal audit functions.  

“I want to thank Doug for his nine years of financial stewardship at DSW. During that period, the company doubled its sales and grew its net income by almost five times. Doug's contributions to DSW's success were significant and he will be missed. I thank Doug for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavors,” stated MacDonald.

Doug Probst stated, “It has been a privilege to work with an extraordinary team at DSW because of its unique culture and a strong set of shared values. I plan to take some time to pursue my philanthropic interests while continuing my entrepreneurial journey. I am confident that DSW will continue its success and wish the team all the best.”