US-based footwear retailer Genesco reported higher fourth-quarter (Q4) sales and profit for the period ended 31 January 2026, supported by stronger comparable sales and performance at Journeys and Schuh banners.

Fourth-quarter net sales rose 7% to $799.9m in fiscal 2026.

Net earnings increased to $47.6m from $34.3m a year earlier while diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $4.43 from $3.06.

Operating income grew 11% to $51.3m.

The increase in revenue reflected a 9% rise in comparable sales, including a 9% gain in same-store sales and an 8% increase in e-commerce comparable sales, alongside favourable foreign exchange effects.

Decreased wholesale sales and the impact of net store closures partly offset the growth.

Journeys sales increased 10% in the quarter while Schuh posted a 9% rise and Johnston & Murphy recorded a 2% gain.

These gains were partly offset by a 27% decline, or $10m, at Genesco Brands. On a constant currency basis, Schuh sales increased 3%.

E-commerce represented 31% of retail sales, compared with 30% a year earlier.

During the quarter, the company opened six stores and closed 15, ending with 1,236 stores versus 1,278 in the prior year.

For fiscal 2026, net sales increased 5% to $2.43bn, while comparable sales rose 6%.

The company reported net earnings of $13.3m, compared with a net loss of $18.8m in fiscal 2025, with operating income rising 24% to $17.3m.

Genesco board chair, president and CEO Mimi E Vaughn said: “Journeys once again led the way with double-digit comp growth on top of double digits last year, fuelled by an exceptional holiday performance.

“At the same time, Johnston & Murphy’s comparable sales improved in each successive month while Schuh navigated a promotional UK environment and exited the year with clean inventories.”

For fiscal 2027, Genesco expects comparable sales growth of 1% to 2%, with total sales projected to range from down 1% to flat year-on-year.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share are forecast at $1.90 to $2.30.