Caleres names Michael Edwards president of Famous Footwear

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Nov 12, 2020

Caleres Inc. named on Wednesday Michael Edwards as president of Famous Footwear, the company’s largest brand.

Edwards, who has been at Caleres since 2008, will replace Molly Adams, who resigned from her position, effective November 20, 2020, to pursue an opportunity outside the organization.

Edwards was most recently serving as senior vice president of digital commerce, planning, allocation and stores, at Caleres. Prior to that, he held roles of increasing responsibility in Famous Footwear, including time as chief customer officer, senior vice president of merchandise planning and analytics and vice president, sales and store operations. 

“Mike is a capable and successful leader who has seen the business through every lens,” said Diane Sullivan, chairman, president and chief executive officer. 

“I am confident he will use his institutional knowledge and his extensive digital commerce, operating, product and marketing experience to further the positive momentum within our largest brand. His deep understanding of the Famous customer and strong leadership abilities will be essential as we remain focused on growing sales and profit, executing on consumer strategies and delivering the Famous vision.”  

Edwards is credited for playing a critical role in reopening and operating the stores post-Covid and pivoting Famous Footwear to successfully meet the evolving needs of its customer base. He spearheaded the brand’s digital growth initiatives, implementation of QuadPay, the rollout of curbside service at more than 600 Famous Footwear stores and the coordination of increased store fulfillment activities.

“I have a true passion for this business, the utmost confidence in the Famous go-forward strategy, and I am honored to lead this significant part of the Caleres portfolio,” said Edwards.

“Famous Footwear is expertly positioned to excel in any market environment through our ability to offer the national brands she wants, when and where she wants to shop – online and in store. Athletic and sport-inspired styles, our sweet spot, are exactly what the customer is looking for in this environment.”  

Caleres has been feeling the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the second quarter ended August 1, 2020, the company’s net sales totaled $501.4 million, down 33.4 percent from the same period in the previous year. The footwear group’s quarterly net loss was $30.7 million, or $0.83 per diluted share.

Caleres equally owns brands like Sam Edelman, Naturalizer, Allen Edmonds, Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, and more.