DSW 2010 Annual Report Download - page 14

assortments with fewer recognizable brands and more styles from prior seasons, unlike DSW’s current on-trend
merchandise.
Intellectual Property
We have registered a number of trademarks and service marks in the United States and internationally,
including DSW»and DSW Shoe Warehouse». The renewal dates for these U.S. trademarks are April 25, 2015 and
May 23, 2015, respectively. We believe that our trademarks and service marks, especially those related to the DSW
concept, have significant value and are important to building our name recognition. To protect our brand identity,
we have also protected the DSW trademark in several foreign countries.
We also hold patents related to our unique store fixtures, which gives us greater efficiency in stocking and
operating those stores that currently have the fixtures. We aggressively protect our patented fixture designs, as well
as our packaging, store design elements, marketing slogans and graphics.
Associates
As of January 29, 2011, we employed approximately 10,500 associates. None of our associates are covered by
any collective bargaining agreements. We offer competitive wages, paid time off, comprehensive medical and dental
insurance, vision care, company-paid and supplemental life insurance programs, associate-paid long-term and short-
term disability insurance and a 401(k) plan to our full-time associates and some of our part-time associates. We have
not experienced any work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our associates to be good.
Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonal merchandise trends when our customers’ interest in new seasonal styles
increases. Spring styles are new in the first quarter, and fall styles are new in the third quarter. Unlike many other
retailers, we have not historically experienced a significantly large increase in net sales during our fourth quarter
associated with the winter holiday season.
Available Information
DSW electronically files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports
on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to such
reports. The public may read and copy any materials that DSW files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Additionally,
information about DSW, including its reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, is available through DSW’s website at
www.dswinc.com. Such reports are accessible at no charge through DSW’s website and are made available as soon as
reasonably practicable after such material is filed with or furnished to the SEC.
We have included our website addresses throughout this filing as textual references only. The information
contained on our websites is not incorporated into this Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, shareholders or prospective investors
should carefully consider the following risk factors when evaluating DSW. If any of the events described below
occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations and future growth prospects could be negatively
affected.
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