Destination XL Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXLG) Q3 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

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Peter Stratton: Well, I think what you started with is absolutely correct is that we are seeing that freight and shipping costs are less of an impact on the comparisons that we’re seeing now in Q3 and Q4 than they were in the first half of the year. So that’s definitely, definitely moderating. I think that as we get into next year, we’ve — I think we’ve pushed promotions pretty hard. I don’t think that we’re going to get a heck of a lot more relief and less promotion. So eventually, that’s going to cycle an anniversary. So when you look at our gross margins at around 50%, that feels really good to me. I feel like we — traditionally, pre-pandemic, we were 43, 44, now getting that up to 49, 50, I think feels great, and that’s what we’re going to be continuing to target in the future.

Jeremy Hamblin: Yes. No question, really strong. Okay. Just last thing here, coming back to the unit growth for a second. I think you previously talked about roughly five locations to open up next year. There’s been a lot of restaurants, retailers that have run into permitting delays construction delays, et cetera. Is there any update that you have? Any change to that number as a result of the kind of current construction environment?

Peter Stratton: Yes. So the number — we’re still working towards a goal of five for next year. And I completely agree with you on the challenges in real estate and construction and permitting and — we’ve, behind the scenes, been doing a lot of work and our real estate team is doing a fantastic job with getting out and canvassing the country and identifying where are the opportunities that we want to be looking into. So, it’s a long turnaround process, which — this is, I think, the third quarter in a row that we’ve been talking about. Look, we think we can open new stores and we’re looking at five for next year. But it’s typically a 12-month process once we identify a store. So, we’re getting up to that point where by the end of fourth quarter, beginning of first quarter next year, we’re going to have a much better line of sight on are we going to be able to get five or not next year.

But that’s the plan, it’s five next year. And then in 2024 and 2025, we’re probably in the 10 to 20 type of range.

Operator: And our next question will come from . Mark, your line is open.

Unidentified Analyst:

Peter Stratton: Hello Seymour, how are you?

Unidentified Analyst: Good. Great job. Thank you very much.

Peter Stratton: Well, thanks so much, and thanks for your continued investment in the firm.

Unidentified Analyst: Okay. I’m still on 6%. Okay, thanks very much.

Peter Stratton: Take care. Good luck.

Unidentified Analyst: Okay.

Operator: Okay. It appears that’s done, I think?

Operator: Yes, I’m showing there’s no further questions.

Harvey Kanter: Okay. Well, then we would just like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Stay safe. We look forward to reconvening with you shortly after the holidays, which we’ll do a pre-release and then in the fourth quarter — end of fourth quarter conference call.

Operator: And this concludes today’s conference. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.

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