After reporting a solid first quarter, Genesco is kicking off footwear market week in New York this month with an expanded lineup from its licensed brands, Dockers and Wrangler.

At Dockers, Genesco Brands Group president Rick Higgins noted that over the past few years, a “deliberate push” into expanded categories has allowed the brand to build meaningfully on its strong position in the market. The exec pointed to the opening of new doors with retail partners and reaching consumers across more occasions and lifestyles as proof points.

“Dockers has always had a seat at the table — that’s never been the question,” Higgins noted. “What’s been exciting these past few years is how our category expansion has let us grow in ways we couldn’t before. We’re not just holding our position anymore, we’re building on it.”

The executive said that the brand’s momentum has been fueled by real investment in cushioning systems, lightweight constructions, flexibility, and all-day wearability. “Today’s shopper is being really deliberate about where they spend their money,” he explained. “They want comfort and modern styling, but they also need to feel like they got something for it. Dockers has been delivering on both, and that’s resonating at retail.”

That combination of innovation and product expansion has created strong sell-through and growing market share across multiple channels — including the dress category, Higgins added.

“The dress category has been part of who we are since the very beginning, and it’s exciting to see it growing again right now,” Higgins said. “Tailored looks are having a real moment, and Dockers is in a natural position to own that space — we’ve been building credibility there for three decades.”

The executive added that Dockers has a renewed energy around it after Authentic Brands Group acquired the brand from Levi Strauss & Co. for $311 million last year. He cited Authentic’s “real commitment” to investing in the brand and unlocking what it’s capable of across distribution, marketing, and consumer reach.

“Working closely with the team at ABG has been one of the highlights for us,” Higgins continued. “They’ve come in with real energy and a clear vision for where Dockers can go, and that enthusiasm is contagious. We’re aligned on the opportunity, and we’re finding new ways to unlock the brand together — it’s been a genuinely exciting partnership to be a part of.”

As for Wrangler’s footwear offering, Higgins is excited for the brand’s first product under the stewardship of Genesco Brands Group to hit stores this fall. He noted that retailers have “responded well to the authenticity of the brand, the depth of the product offering, and the clear positioning across western, outdoor, work, and casual lifestyle.”

“Wrangler has been checking every box as we head into the market,” Higgins said. “The energy from retail partners has been really encouraging — there’s genuine excitement around this brand hitting shelves, and that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Another milestone for Wrangler footwear came in January where the Genesco Brands Group opened a new showroom at the Dallas Market Center, which Higgins said has become a “major centerpiece of the launch strategy.”

“Our Dallas Market Center showroom has become ground zero for us on this launch,” Higgins maintained. “It lets retailers walk in and actually experience the brand — from western and outdoor to work and lifestyle — and understand the real scale of what we’re building together.”

This all comes after Genesco said on Friday that it delivered overall total company net sales of $487.03 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, a 3 percent increase from $473.97 million at the same time last year.

The overall sales growth for the first quarter was driven by an increase of 5 percent at Journeys, an increase of 6 percent at Johnston & Murphy and a 4 percent increase at Genesco Brands, partially offset by a decrease of 5 percent at Schuh.

“Our focus has always been on helping our retail partners grow alongside us,” Higgins added. “When they win, we win. We feel really good about where the momentum is headed and the opportunities we’re building toward.”