EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1668010
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1668010_10-K_2025_0001641172-25-003320.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Company Overview
We are a curated collection of lifestyle brands, including Bailey, DSTLD, Stateside, Sundry and Avo, that offers a variety of apparel products through direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution. Our complementary brand portfolio provides us with the unique opportunity to cross merchandise our brands. We aim for our customers to wear our brands head to toe and to capture what we call “closet share” by gaining insight into their preferences to create targeted and personalized content specific to their cohort. Operating our brands under one portfolio provides us with the ability to better utilize our technological, human capital and operational capabilities across all brands. As a result, we have been able to realize operational efficiencies and continue to identify additional cost-saving opportunities to scale our brands and overall portfolio.
Recent Developments
In April of 2024, we entered into a retail store sublease for approximately 3.5 years at the Simon Premium Outlet in Allen, TX, a suburb of Dallas. We opened the store in April 2024. The Company closed the store in October 2024 to focus on its e-commerce strategy with VaynerCommerce, a digital marketing agency.
On October 2, 2024, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that the Staff has determined to delist the Company’s common stock from Nasdaq at the opening of business on October 11, 2024, based on the Company’s failure to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share per Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), unless the Company requests an appeal of such determination by October 9, 2024. The Company submitted the appeal request to Nasdaq on October 9, 2024. Nasdaq granted a hearing of the appeal to be held on December 3, 2024. On November 20, 2024, the Company received notice from the Staff of Nasdaq that the Company no longer satisfied the $35,000,000 market value of listed securities requirement, or the alternative $2,500,000 stockholders’ equity requirement, as set forth in Listing Rule 5550(b), and that such failure would serve as an additional basis for the delisting of the Company’s securities from Nasdaq. In the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended September 30, 2024 (the “Q3 Report”), filed with the SEC on November 15, 2024, the Company reported stockholders’ equity of $19,046 and, therefore, no longer complied with the Rule. On December 16, 2024, the Staff of Nasdaq notified the Company that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) determined to delist the Company’s common stock and trading of the Company’s securities was suspended on Nasdaq at the open of trading on December 18, 2024. Immediately after the delisting of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s common stock began being quoted on the OTC Pink Market under its existing symbol, “DBGI”. The Panel reached its decision because the Company was in violation of Listing Rules 5550(a)(2), 5550(b)(1), and 5635, the Bid Price, Shareholders’ Equity, and Shareholder Approval Rules, respectively.
The Company and various purchasers (the “Investors”) executed a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) on or around April 7, 2023, whereby the Investors purchased from the Company promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $2,500,000 (the “Original Notes”), and the remaining balances of such Original Notes as of October 1, 2023, were exchanged by the Investors for replacement promissory notes issued on October 1, 2023, in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,789,668.37 (the “2023 Notes”). On May 24, 2024, the Company entered into settlement agreements with the Investors (each a “Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay aggregate cash payments equal to $1,789,668.37 to extinguish all obligations and claims under the SPA, Original Notes, and 2023 Notes, as follows: (i) $500,000.00 on or before May 28, 2024 and (ii) $1,289,668.37 on or before September 30, 2024 (the “Final Payment”). On or around October 3, 2024, the Company entered into amendments to each Settlement Agreement with the Investors, whereby the Final Payment due date was extended to October 31, 2024. On November 1, 2024, the Company entered into a second amendment to each Settlement Agreement with the Investors, whereby the Final Payment due date was extended to November 4, 2024. On November 4, 2024, the Company paid the Final Payment to extinguish all obligations and claims under the SPA, Original Notes, and 2023 Notes.
Between July 1, 2024 and October 22, 2024, the Company issued and sold 105,125 shares of Common Stock (the “Recent ATM Share Sales”) to H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (the “Agent”) as sales agent or principal, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s previously announced At-The-Market Offering Agreement, dated December 27, 2023, between us and the Agent (the “Sales Agreement”). The Company received net proceeds of $2,063,386 from the Recent ATM Share Sales. Between October 23, 2024 and December 17, 2024, the Company issued and sold 65,236 shares of Common Stock to the Agent as sales agent or principal, pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, and received net proceeds of $278,160.
Between October 3, 2024 and October 15, 2024, the Company issued 26,226 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) to a certain note holder upon conversion of a portion of their promissory note originally issued by the Company on or around October 1, 2023 (the “Note”). On October 16, 2024, the Company became aware that the issuance of the Shares was in error and not permitted under the terms of the Note due to the requirement thereunder that stockholder approval be obtained prior to the issuance of more than 19.9% of the Company’s pre-transaction shares outstanding upon conversion(s) of the Note, as referenced and specifically required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d). The Company then notified the note holder that the Shares must be returned to the Company’s transfer agent for cancellation. On November 5, 2024, the holder facilitated the cancellation of 26,226 shares of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the Company’s remediation plan. The Company communicated with The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC regarding the aforementioned erroneous issuance of the Shares and subsequent remediation actions. The Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC considered the Company’s non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) as an additional basis for the delisting of the Company’s securities from Nasdaq.
On October 28, 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) with certain accredited investors named therein (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a best efforts offering (the “Offering”): (i) 124,673 shares of common stock (the “Common Stock”), at a purchase price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock, and (ii) 482,187 pre-funded warrants (“Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase Common Stock, at a purchase price of $4.995 per Pre-Funded Warrant, immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.005 per share. The Purchase Agreement contained customary representations and warranties and agreements of the Company and the Purchasers and customary indemnification rights and obligations of the parties. The Offering closed on October 30, 2024.
The Company offered Pre-Funded Warrants to those Purchasers whose purchase of Common Stock in the Offering would have resulted in the Purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or at the election of the Purchaser, 9.99%) of our Common Stock immediately following the consummation of the Offering in lieu of the Common Stock that would otherwise result in ownership in excess of 4.99% (or at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. The Pre-Funded Warrants may be exercised commencing on the issuance date and do not expire. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable for cash; provided, however that they may be exercised on a cashless exercise basis if, at the time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance or resale of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants.
The Common Stock, the Pre-Funded Warrants, and the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on October 24, 2024, as amended, and was declared effective on October 28, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”).
RBW Capital Partners LLC, acting through Dominari Securities LLC (the “Placement Agent”), acted as the exclusive placement agent for the Offering pursuant to a Placement Agency Agreement dated October 28, 2024 (the “Placement Agency Agreement”) by and between the Company and the Placement Agent.
The Offering resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $3,000,000, before deducting placement agent fees and commissions and other offering expenses, and excluding proceeds to the Company, if any, that may result from the future exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants issued in the Offering. As compensation to the Placement Agent, as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Placement Agent a cash fee of 8.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering, a non-accountable expense allowance of 1.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering, reimbursement of up to $50,000 for expenses of legal counsel and other actual out-of-pocket expenses, and up to $15,950 for clearing agent closing costs. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $2,555,261 from the Offering (the “Public Offering Proceeds”).
On December 9, 2024, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate the 2024 Reverse Stock Split at a ratio of 1-for-50 (the “Amendment”). The Amendment became effective at 5:00 PM ET on December 12, 2024.
On or around January 17, 2025, the Company closed a private placement pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with a certain accredited investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a private placement, a promissory note in the principal amount of $121,900 (the “January 2025 Note”). The January 2025 Note is convertible into common stock upon default at a conversion price equal to 61% of the lowest closing bid price during the ten trading days prior to the conversion date. The January 2025 Note provides that the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon conversion thereof shall not exceed 19.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the issuance date of the January 2025 Note.
On or around January 20, 2025, the Company entered into a vendor agreement (the “Vendor Agreement”) with MavDB Consulting LLC (the “Vendor”). The engagement of the Vendor is for a five (5) year period and the vendor services to be provided include, but are not limited to, product content production, social media marketing, engagement of influencers and student athletes for product awareness, and event and staffing costs (the “Services”). In consideration for the Services, the Company will pay the Vendor a vendor fee equal to $3,000,000 (the “Cash Fee”) within thirty calendar days after the date of the Vendor Agreement (the “Payment Period”), provided, however, that Vendor may elect to receive the Vendor Shares (as defined below) and/or Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants (as defined below) as described below in lieu of the Cash Fee by providing written notice to the Company of such election during the Payment Period (the “Written Notice”). The “Vendor Shares” shall mean a number of Common Stock equal to the Cash Fee divided by $1.45, provided, however, if the issuance of any of the Vendor Shares would cause the Vendor to exceed 4.99% of the of the outstanding Common Stock, as determined in accordance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, then the Company shall instead issue to Vendor pre-funded warrants (the “Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants”) for the purchase of the amount of Vendor Shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, provided, further, that if the Vendor specifies in the Written Notice that the Vendor elects to receive Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of the entire amount of the Vendor Shares, then the Company shall instead issue to Vendor the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase the entire amount of the Vendor Shares. The Vendor delivered the Written Notice to the Company during the Payment Period and the Company issued the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants for the purchase of 2,068,965 shares of Common Stock to Vendor on January 21, 2025.
The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants have an initial exercise price per share of Common Stock equal to $0.01. The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire five (5) years after the issuance date of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants. The exercise price and number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of share dividends, share splits, reorganizations or similar events. The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of the Vendor, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of Common Stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise). The Vendor (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants to the extent that the Vendor would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the Vendor to us, the Vendor may increase the amount of beneficial ownership of outstanding shares after exercising the Vendor’s Pre-Funded Warrants up to 9.99% of the number of our shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants. In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the Vendor may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the number of shares of Common Stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants.
On January 22, 2025, the Company issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $260,000.00 (the “Second Note”) to an accredited investor (“Investor”), pursuant to which the Investor made a loan to the Company. The Second Note carries an original issue discount of $60,000.00, and accordingly the purchase price of the Second Note is $200,000.00. The Second Note matures on April 22, 2025, and contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of any event of default under the Second Note, the Second Note will become immediately due and payable in an amount equal to the outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Second Note plus default interest at the rate of sixteen percent (16%) per annum.
Reverse Stock Split
In December 2024, following the approval of shareholders, we completed the 2024 Reverse Stock Split in the ratio of 1-for-50. As a result of the 2024 Reverse Stock Split, every fifty (50) shares of the Company’s pre-reverse stock split common stock was combined and automatically became one (1) share of common stock. The 2024 Reverse Stock Split did not (i) change the authorized number of shares, (ii) change the par value of the common stock, or (iii) modify any voting rights of the common stock.
Also, at the effective time of the 2024 Reverse Stock Split, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants (including public warrants under the trading symbol “DBGIW”), preferred stock, and other convertible securities, as well as any commitments to issue securities, that provide for adjustments in the event of a reverse stock split will be appropriately adjusted pursuant to their applicable terms for the 2024 Reverse Stock Split. If applicable, the conversion price for each outstanding share of preferred stock and the exercise price for each outstanding warrant will be increased, pursuant to their terms, in inverse proportion to the 1-for-50 split ratio such that upon conversion or exercise, the aggregate conversion price for conversion of preferred stock and the aggregate exercise price payable by the warrant holder to the Company for shares of common stock subject to such warrant will remain approximately the same as the aggregate conversion or exercise price, as applicable, prior to the 2024 Reverse Stock Split.
Completion of Offering of Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants
On February 13, 2025, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) with certain accredited investors named therein (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a best efforts offering (the “Offering”) 11,365,340 units (the “Units”), including (i) 125,535 units consisting of one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and two warrants to purchase one share of Common Stock each (the “Share Unit Warrants”), at a purchase price per unit equal to $0.66, and (ii) 11,239,805 units consisting of a pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (“Pre-Funded Warrants”), immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share, and two warrants to purchase one share of Common Stock each (the “PFW Unit Warrants, and collectively with the Share Unit Warrants, the “Warrants”), at a purchase price per unit equal to $0.6599. The Warrants may be exercised for an aggregate of 22,730,680 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to $0.66 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits and similar events. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and agreements of the Company and the Purchasers and customary indemnification rights and obligations of the parties. The Offering closed on February 18, 2025.
The Company offered Pre-Funded Warrants to those Purchasers whose purchase of Common Stock in the Offering would have resulted in the Purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or at the election of the Purchaser, 9.99%) of our Common Stock immediately following the consummation of the Offering in lieu of the Common Stock that would otherwise result in ownership in excess of 4.99% (or at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. The Pre-Funded Warrants may be exercised commencing on the issuance date and do not expire. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable for cash; provided, however that they may be exercised on a cashless exercise basis if, at the time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance or resale of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants. The exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants will be subject to a beneficial ownership limitation, which will prohibit the exercise thereof, if upon such exercise the holder of the Pre-Funded Warrants, its affiliates and any other persons or entities acting as a group together with the holder or any of the holder’s affiliates would hold 4.99% (or, upon election of a Purchaser prior to the issuance of any shares, 9.99%) of the number of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrant held by the applicable holder, provided that the holder may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation (up to a maximum of 9.99%) upon 60 days advance notice to the Company, which 60 day period cannot be waived
The Warrants may be exercised commencing on the issuance date and expire one year from issuance. The Warrants are exercisable for cash at an exercise price of $0.66 per share; provided, however that they may be exercised on a cashless exercise basis if, at the time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance or resale of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The exercise of the Warrants will be subject to a beneficial ownership limitation, which will prohibit the exercise thereof, if upon such exercise the holder of the Warrants, its affiliates and any other persons or entities acting as a group together with the holder or any of the holder’s affiliates would hold 4.99% (or, upon election of a Purchaser prior to the issuance of any shares, 9.99%) of the number of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants held by the applicable holder, provided that the holder may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation (up to a maximum of 9.99%) upon 60 days advance notice to the Company, which 60 day period cannot be waived.
At the closing of the Offering, the Company issued warrants to RBW Capital Partners LLC, acting through Dawson James Securities, Inc. (the “Placement Agent”), for the purchase of 568,267 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.759 per share (the “Placement Agent Warrants”), which is equal to 115% of the price per Unit. The Placement Agent Warrants are exercisable at any time commencing six (6) months from the date of commencement of sales in the Offering and expiring five (5) years from the commencement of sales in the Offering. During the aforementioned six (6) month period, the Placement Agent Warrant may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the Placement Agent Warrant pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1)(A).
The Common Stock, Pre-Funded Warrants, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants, Warrants, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, Placement Agent Warrants, and Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-284508), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on January 27, 2025, as amended, and was declared effective on February 11, 2025 (the “Registration Statement”).
The Placement Agent acted as the exclusive placement agent for the Offering pursuant to a Placement Agency Agreement dated February 13, 2025 (the “Placement Agency Agreement”) by and between the Company and the Placement Agent. The Placement Agency Agreement contains customary conditions to closing, representations and warranties of the Company, and termination rights of the parties, as well as certain indemnification obligations of the Company and ongoing covenants for the Company.
The Offering resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $7,500,000, before deducting placement agent fees and commissions and other offering expenses, and excluding proceeds to the Company, if any, that may result from the future exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants or Warrants issued in the Offering. As compensation to the Placement Agent, as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Placement Agent a cash fee of 8.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering (which amount shall not include any additional proceeds the Company may receive from the exercise of the Warrants, or the Pre-Funded Warrants, issued in this Offering) and reimbursement of up to $150,000 for expenses of legal counsel and other actual out-of-pocket expenses.
National Securities Exchange Application
On February 20, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing that it has submitted an application to list its common stock on a national securities exchange. The successful listing of the Company’s common shares is subject to the approval of the listing application by the national securities exchange and the satisfaction of all applicable listing criteria and requirements. No assurance can be given that the listing application will be approved or that such listing will be completed.
Our Company
Digital Brands Group is a curated collection of lifestyle brands that offers a variety of apparel products through direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution. Our complementary brand portfolio provides us with the unique opportunity to cross-merchandise our brands. We aim for our customers to wear our brands head to toe and to capture what we call “closet share” by gaining insight into their preferences to create targeted and personalized content specific to their cohort. Operating our brands under one portfolio provides us with the ability to better utilize our technological, human capital and operational capabilities across all brands. As a result, we have been able to realize operational efficiencies and continue to identify additional cost saving opportunities to scale our brands and overall portfolio.
Our portfolio currently consists of five brands that leverage our three channels: our websites, wholesale and royalty (license revenue).
● Bailey 44 combines beautiful, luxe fabrics and on-trend designs to create sophisticated ready-to-wear capsules for women on-the-go. Designing for real life, this brand focuses on feeling and comfort rather than how it looks on a runway. Bailey 44 is primarily a wholesale brand, which we are transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● DSTLD offers stylish high-quality garments without the luxury retail markup valuing customer experience over labels. DSTLD is primarily a digital direct-to-consumer brand.
● Stateside is an elevated, America first brand with all knitting, dyeing, cutting and sewing sourced and manufactured locally in Los Angeles. The collection is influenced by the evolution of the classic t-shirt, offering a simple yet elegant look. Stateside is primarily a wholesale brand that we will be transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● Sundry offers distinct collections of women’s clothing, including dresses, shirts, sweaters, skirts, shorts, athleisure bottoms and other accessory products. Sundry’s products are coastal casual and consist of soft, relaxed and colorful designs that feature a distinct French chic, resembling the spirits of the French Mediterranean and the energy of Venice Beach in Southern California. Sundry is primarily a wholesale brand that we will be transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● Avo is a women’s essential brand that will offer t-shirts, sweats, dresses, sweaters and athleisure. Avo eliminates the wholesale mark-up, so its products have a sharper price point. Avo also offers larger discounts when the customer bundles multiple products to their cart, which allows Avo to leverage its shipping and fulfillment costs. Avo leverages the Company’s current design and supply chain infrastructure, so we use similar or the same fabrics and contractors for Avo that we do for our other brands.
We believe that successful apparel brands sell in all revenue channels. However, each channel offers different margin structures and requires different customer acquisition and retention strategies. We were founded as a digital-first retailer that has strategically expanded into select wholesale and direct retail channels. We strive to strategically create omnichannel strategies for each of our brands that blend physical and online channels to engage consumers in the channel of their choosing. Our products are sold direct-to-consumers principally through our websites and our own showrooms, but also through our wholesale channel, primarily in specialty stores and select department stores. With the continued expansion of our wholesale distribution, we believe developing an omnichannel solution further strengthens our ability to efficiently acquire and retain customers while also driving high customer lifetime value.
We believe that by leveraging a physical footprint to acquire customers and increase brand awareness, we can use digital marketing to focus on retention and a very tight, disciplined high value new customer acquisition strategy, especially targeting potential customers lower in the sales funnel. Building a direct relationship with the customer as the customer transacts directly with us allows us to better understand our customer’s preferences and shopping habits. Our substantial experience as a company originally founded as a digitally native-first retailer gives us the ability to strategically review and analyze the customer’s data, including contact information, browsing and shopping cart data, purchase history and style preferences. This in turn has the effect of lowering our inventory risk and cash needs since we can order and replenish product based on the data from our online sales history, replenish specific inventory by size, color and SKU based on real times sales data, and control our mark-down and promotional strategies versus being told what mark downs and promotions we have to offer by the department stores and boutique retailers.
We define “closet share” as the percentage (“share”) of a customer’s clothing units that (“of closet”) she or he owns in her or his closet and the amount of those units that go to the brands that are selling these units. For example, if a customer buys 20 units of clothing a year and the brands that we own represent 10 of those units purchased, then our closet share is 50% of that customer’s closet, or 10 of our branded units divided by 20 units they purchased in entirety. Closet share is a similar concept to the widely used term wallet share, it is just specific to the customer’s closet. The higher our closet share, the higher our revenue as higher closet share suggests the customer is purchasing more of our brands than our competitors.
We have strategically expanded into an omnichannel brand offering these styles and content not only on-line but at selected wholesale and retail storefronts. We believe this approach allows us opportunities to successfully drive Lifetime Value (“LTV”) while increasing new customer growth. We define Lifetime Value or LTV as an estimate of the average revenue that a customer will generate throughout their lifespan as our customer. This value/revenue of a customer helps us determine many economic decisions, such as marketing budgets per marketing channel, retention versus acquisition decisions, unit level economics, profitability and revenue forecasting.
In April of 2024, we entered into a retail store sublease for approximately 3.5 years at the Simon Premium Outlet in Allen, TX, a suburb of Dallas. We opened the store in April 2024. The Company closed the store in October 2024 to focus on its e-commerce strategy with VaynerCommerce, a digital marketing agency.
We intend to continue to actively pursue acquisitions to increase and tighten customer cohorts and increase our ability to create more customized content and personalized looks and styles for each customer cohort. We believe that customers want and trust brands that can deliver customized content and personalized looks and styles. We expect this should result in higher customer loyalty, higher lifetime value, higher average order value and lower customer acquisition cost.
Organizational Structure
We operate the brands on a decentralized basis with an emphasis on brand level execution supported by corporate coordination. The brand’s executive teams will continue to operate and leverage relationships with customers and suppliers, including designing and producing product and developing marketing plans including social media, email and digital communications.
We consolidate marketing and tech contracts as we have done with Bailey’s contracts, which has provided significant cost savings. We review the fabric mills and factories used by each brand to see if we can consolidate or cross utilize these mills and factories, which will drive increased volumes, lower production costs and higher gross margins. We are also consolidating production into a few factories in Europe from China and the U.S., which lowers our average production cost per unit.
We leverage the Digital Brands Group marketing and data analytics team to create cross-marketing campaigns based on the customer data respective to each brand’s customer base. As an example, the Digital Brand Group’s marketing and data team reviews the customer data across all our portfolio brands and will work with each brand to identify the new customers from our other portfolio brands that they can target and what styles and looks should be created for each of those customer cohorts. The brand level employees then execute the looks and styles and create the customized customer communication based on the information and data from the Digital Brand Group marketing and data teams.
Certain administrative functions are centralized on a regional and, in certain circumstances, a national basis following, including but not limited to accounting support functions, corporate strategy and acquisitions, human resources, information technology, insurance, marketing, data analytics and customer cross-merchandising, advertising buys, contract negotiations, safety, systems support and transactional processing.
Principal Products and Services
Bailey - Brand Summary
In February 2020, we acquired Bailey. Bailey delivers distinct high-quality, well-fitting, on-trend contemporary apparel using an entry contemporary price point. Bailey combines beautiful, luxe fabrics and on-trend designs to offer clean, sophisticated ready-to-wear separates that easily transition from day to night and for date night. Bailey offers fashionable staples with timeless design features, making them wearable for any occasion - the majority of products are tops, sweaters and dresses.
Bailey’s full seasonal collections of dresses, tops, jumpsuits, bottoms, sets, jackets and rompers retail at price points between $90 and $350. We believe that we can create more compelling price points as we leverage our direct-to-consumer expertise. As we increase the direct-to-consumer revenue mix, we believe we will have opportunities to increase our margins, which will mostly be passed along to the customer with lower price points.
With our acquisition of Bailey 44, LLC, we view the following as tangible near term growth opportunities:
● Increase emphasis on email and SMS communications allowing for personalized direct customer engagement, retention and repurchases.
● Increase market share in existing and new wholesale, including specialty boutiques due to the well-known and respected designer we hired in June 2020.
● Increase digital spend, social media presence, and brand and influencer collaborations.
● Selective opportunity to roll out proven retail concept in well defined, strategic locations.
● International expansion and licensing opportunities in select categories.
Stateside - Brand Summary
We acquired Stateside in August 2021. Stateside is a collection of elevated American basics influenced by the evolution of the classic T-shirt. All garments are designed and produced in Los Angeles from the finest fabrics. All knitting, dyeing, cutting and sewing is sourced and manufactured locally in Los Angeles.
Stateside is known for delivering high quality, luxury T-shirts, tops and bottoms. Stateside is primarily a wholesale brand with very limited online revenue. Their T-shirt prices range from $68 to $94, their other tops range from $98 to $130, and their bottoms from $80 to $144.
With our acquisition of Stateside, we view the following as tangible near-term growth opportunities:
● Increase online revenues significantly as we have spent very little resources on developing its online sales opportunity from the website optimization to photography to email marketing to online advertising to digital customer acquisition and retention.
● Increase gross margins by ordering larger quantities as we pay meaningful upcharges for minimum order quantities.
● Launch seasonal new product categories such as women’s knits and wovens in the top category and women’s wovens in the bottom category. We believe knits and wovens tops are one of the larger product categories in womenswear, with higher price points and dollar profit.
Sundry - Brand Summary
We acquired Sundry in December 2022. Sundry offers distinct collections of women’s clothing, including dresses, shirts, sweaters, skirts, shorts, athleisure bottoms and other accessory products. Sundry’s products are coastal casual and consist of soft, relaxed and colorful designs that feature a distinct French chic, resembling the spirits of the French Mediterranean and the energy of Venice Beach in Southern California. The products are designed and mostly produced in Los Angeles from the finest fabrics. The majority of the knitting, dyeing, cutting and sewing is sourced and manufactured locally in Los Angeles, with some sweaters made overseas.
Sundry is known for delivering high quality novelty and resort style T-shirts, tops and bottoms. Sundry is mostly a wholesale brand with meaningful online revenue. Their T-shirt prices range from $68 to $98, their other tops range from $98 to $198, and their bottoms range from $80 to $228.
With our acquisition of Sundry, we view the following as tangible near-term growth opportunities:
● Increase online revenues significantly as we cross-market their customer base with the customer bases from our other brands.
● Increase gross margin dollars by updating the product line and driving increased volume through the wholesale and online channels.
● Launch a new product category for 2025 in women’s athleisure. We believe athleisure is one of the largest product categories in womenswear, with high repeat spend and closet share.
DSTLD - Brand Summary
DSTLD focuses on minimalist design, superior quality, and only the essential wardrobe pieces. We deliver casual luxury rooted in denim; garments that are made with exhaustive attention to detail from the finest materials for a closet of timeless, functional staples. Our brand name “DSTLD” is derived from the word ‘distilled,’ meaning to extract only the essentials. As such, DSTLD boasts a line of key wardrobe pieces in a fundamental color palette of black, white, grey, and denim.
Our denim prices generally range from $75 to $95; similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesale for approximately $95 to $125 and retail for $185 to $350. Our t-shirts and tops range from $30 to $90, while similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesale for approximately $25 to $75 and retail for $60 to $250. Our casual pants range from $85 to $109, with similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesaling for approximately $85 to $115 and retailing for $175 to $250.
Avo - Brand Summary
Avo is a women’s essential brand that will offer t-shirts, sweats, dresses, sweaters and athleisure. Avo eliminates the wholesale mark-up, so its products have a sharper price point. Avo also offers larger discounts when the customer bundles multiple products to their cart, which allows Avo to leverage its shipping and fulfillment costs. Avo leverages the Company’s current design and supply chain infrastructure, so we use similar or the same fabrics and contractors for Avo that we do for our other brands.
Avo launched in late August 2024 and prices for t-shirts range from $20 to $50 based on the size of the customer’s bundle. Other product prices will range from $17.50 for tanks to $198 for sweaters with no retail price above $99 if the customer bundles three units or more. If the customer bundles two units then they receive a 40% discount and if they bundle three units or more the customer receives a 60% discount.
ACE Studios - Brand Summary
ACE Studios will design and offer luxury men’s suiting with superior performance, superb fits, and excellent quality at an exceptional value. We will offer men’s classic tailored apparel with premium and luxury fabrics and manufacturing. We work with the same high-quality mills and factories in the world as the leading luxury brands. We believe most customers have different shapes and sizes, so we plan to offer multiple fits for our products. We sidestep the middleman and sell our products ourselves, allowing us to offer top-tier quality without the standard retail markup.
Our suits had range from $295 to $495; similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesale for approximately $300 to $600 and retail for $600 to $1,200. Our dress shirts will range $55 to $65, similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesale for approximately $50 to $75 and retail for $95 to $150. Our casual pants will range $85 to $109, similar quality brands produced at the same factories wholesale for approximately $85 to $115 and retail for $175 to $250.
We discontinued the operations of the ACE Studios brand in the second quarter of 2024 as a digitally native first brand.
Sales and Distribution
DSTLD and Avo products are sold primarily direct-to-consumer, via our website. We utilize a build your own bundle strategy to increase the cart size and create cost savings per unit sold. By selling direct-to-consumer, we are able to eliminate the wholesale mark-up and offer sharper pricing to the customer.
Bailey products are distributed through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. The wholesale channel includes premium department stores, select independent boutiques and third-party online stores.
Stateside and Sundry products are distributed through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels includes premium department stores and national chains, select independent boutiques and third-party online stores.
We do not have material terms or arrangements with our third-party distributors. As is customary in the wholesale side of the retail apparel industry, we work with the wholesale buyers for every product collection and season to develop a purchase order based on quantities, pricing, profit margin and any future mark- down agreements. Historically, these factors are driven by the wholesale buyer’s belief of how well they think the product will sell at their stores. For example, if the collection is considered very strong by the wholesale buyer, we usually achieve higher quantities, higher margins and lower future markdown guarantees. Conversely, when the wholesale buyer considers the collection to be weak, we experience lower quantities, lower margins and higher mark-down guarantees.
Our direct-to-consumer channels include our own website. Old season stock is sold through selected off- price retailers, with additional sales generated through specifically cut product for select off-price retailers.
All of our DSTLD, Avo, Bailey and Stateside and Sundry sellable product is stored at our corporate warehouse and distribution center in Los Angeles, CA, which also houses our corporate office. In addition to storing product, we also receive and process new product deliveries, process and ship outbound orders, and process and ship customer returns in this same facility.
We offer free shipping and returns above to all our customers in the United States once they achieve a cart size amount of $50 for all brands but Avo and $99 for Avo. We also offer customers the option to upgrade to 2-Day or Overnight Shipping for an additional cost.
Design and Development
Our products are designed at the headquarters of each brand, which are in Los Angeles, CA. Each brand’s design efforts are supported by well-established product development and production teams. The continued collaboration between design and merchandising ensures we respond to consumer preferences and market trends with new innovative product offerings while maintaining our core fashion foundation. In-house design and production teams in Los Angeles perform development of the sample line, allowing for speed to market, flexibility and quality of fit.
We analyze trends, markets, and social media feedback along and utilize historical data and industry tools to identify essential styles and proper replenishment timing and quantities.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers to provide our finished products, so we can aggregate pricing power. As we continue to increase our volumes, we will source additional factories to spread out our risks.
While we have developed long-standing relationships with a number of our suppliers and manufacturing sources and take great care to ensure that they share our commitment to quality and ethics, we do not have any long-term term contracts with these parties for the production and supply of our fabrics and products. We require that all of our manufacturers adhere to a vendor code of ethics regarding social and environmental sustainability practices. Our product quality and sustainability team partners with leading inspection and verification firms to closely monitor each supplier’s compliance with applicable laws and our vendor code of ethics.
Currently, our Bailey, DSTLD, Avo and Stateside and Sundry products are shipped from our suppliers to our distribution center in Los Angeles, CA which currently handles all our warehousing, fulfillment, outbound shipping and returns processing. Our Sundry products will be shipped from our suppliers to our distribution center in Los Angeles, CA which will handle all our warehousing, fulfillment, outbound shipping and returns processing. During 2025, we will review maintaining our own distribution centers versus using a third-party solution.
Product Suppliers: Sourcing and Manufacturing
We work with a variety of apparel manufacturers in North America, Asia and Europe. We only work with full package suppliers, which supply fabric, trims, along with cut/sew/wash services, only invoicing us for the final full cost of each garment. This allows us the ability to maximize cash flows and optimize operations. We do not have long-term written contracts with manufacturers, though we have long-standing relationships with a diverse base of vendors.
We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and rely solely on third-party contract manufacturers operating primarily in Europe, United States, and the Asia Pacific region for the production of our products depending on the brand. All of our contract manufacturers are evaluated for quality systems, social compliance and financial strength by our internal teams prior to being selected and on an ongoing basis. Where appropriate, we strive to qualify multiple manufacturers for particular product types and fabrications.
All of our garments are produced according to each brand’s specifications, and we require that all manufacturers adhere to strict regulatory compliance and standards of conduct. The vendors’ factories are monitored by each brand’s production team to ensure quality control, and they are monitored by independent third-party inspectors we employ for compliance with local manufacturing standards and regulations on an annual basis. We also monitor our vendors’ manufacturing facilities regularly, providing technical assistance and performing in-line and final audits to ensure the highest possible quality.
We source our products from a variety of domestic and international manufacturers. When deciding which factory to source a specific product from, we take into account the following factors:
● Cost of garment
● Retail price for end consumer
● Production time
● Minimum order quantity
● Shipping/delivery time
● Payment terms
By taking all of these into consideration, we can focus on making sure we have access to in-demand and high quality products available for sale to our customers at competitive price points and sustainable margins for our business.
Marketing
We believe marketing is a critical element in creating brand awareness and an emotional connection, as well as driving new customer acquisition and retention. Each brand has its own in-house marketing department, which creates and produces marketing initiatives specific to each marketing channel and based on the specific purpose, such as acquisition, retention or brand building. We also have an in-house marketing team at the DBG portfolio level, which reviews these brand initiatives, develops and helps initiate cross merchandising strategies, manages the data analytics and negotiates contracts using all our brands to lower the cost.
Our goal at the brand and the portfolio level is to increase brand awareness and reach, customer engagement, increase new customer conversion and repurchase rates and average order size. We utilize a multi-pronged marketing strategy to connect with our customers and drive traffic to our online platform, comprised of the following:
Customer Acquisition Marketing
Paid Social Media Marketing: This is our primary customer acquisition channel, and it is composed almost entirely of paid Facebook and Instagram marketing. We believe our core customers rely on the opinions of their peers, often expressed through social media. Social media platforms are viral marketing platforms that allow our brands to communicate directly with our customers while also allowing customers to interact with us and provide feedback on our products and service. We make regular posts highlighting new products, brand stories, and other topics and images we deem “on brand”. By being a verified brand, our followers can shop products directly from our posts. We are also able to link to products in the stories feature.
Affiliate Marketing: With select online publications and influencers, we’ve sought to establish CPA or revenue sharing agreements. We believe these agreements are effective in incentivizing influencers or media to push our product and allowing us to only pay partners based on performance.
Email Marketing: We utilize email marketing to build awareness and drive repeat purchases. We believe this can be the most personalized customer communication channel for our brands, and therefore should continue to be one of our highest performing channels. We use an email service provider that enables us to send out a variety of promotional, transactional, and retargeting emails, with the main goal of driving increased site traffic and purchases. We maintain a database through which we track and utilize key metrics such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value per customer, cost per impression and cost per click.
Retargeting: We engage the services of certain retargeting engines that allow us to dynamically target our visitors on third-party websites via banner/content ads.
Content Marketing: We use content marketing platforms that allow us to serve up native ads in the form of articles promoting our brand story and specific products.
Search Engine Optimization: This is the process of maximizing the number of visitors to our website by increasing our rankings in the search results on internet search engines. This is done by optimizing our onsite content, by making sure our pages, titles, tags, links, and blog content is structured to increase our search results on certain keywords, and our offsite content, which is the number of external websites linking to our website, usually through press articles and other advertising channels.
Print Advertising: We also intend to utilize print advertisements in magazines or billboards in major metropolitan areas to drive increased site traffic and brand awareness.
Video / Blog Content: We plan to offer videos and blog posts as a way to engage and educate the customer on our brands, how to wear different looks and styles, and create confidence and trust between our brands and customers. Videos and blog posts will include interviews with our designers, a behind-the- scenes look at how products are made, features of other artists or creatives, and photo shoots.
Instagram and Influencer Marketing
Instagram and influencer marketing is one of our largest initiatives. On a weekly basis, we reach out to and receive requests from tastemakers in fashion, lifestyle, and photography. We have developed a certain set of criteria for working with influencers (for example, engagement level, aesthetic, audience demographic) that have enabled us to garner impactful impressions. Our focus is not on the size of an account, but on creating organic relationships with influencers who are excited to tell our story. While most of our collaborations are compensated solely through product gifts, we also offer an affiliate commission of up to 20% through the influencer platform reward Style, which is the parent company of LiketoKnow.it, the first influencer platform to make Instagram shopable (users receive an email directly to their inbox with complete outfit details when they “Like” a photo with LiketoKnow.it technology).
Public Relations
To generate ongoing organic and word-of-mouth awareness, we intend to work with print and online media outlets to announce new products and develop timely news stories. We are in contact with leading fashion, business, and tech writers in order to capitalize on celebrity fashion features, e-commerce trend pieces, or general brand awareness articles. We may utilize outside agencies from time to time. We visit the major fashion, tech, and news outlets in New York City on a quarterly basis to keep them up to date on our latest launches and any relevant company developments. We also plan to host local Los Angeles press at our office space.
Celebrity Gifting
We approach celebrity gifting in a strategic, discerning manner. We have longstanding, personal relationships with the industry’s top stylists; we do not send clothing blindly or unsolicited. We have successfully placed clothing (and as a result, fashion press) on a number of well-known A-list celebrities.
Loyalty Program
We plan to develop and launch a company-wide loyalty program, which would include all our brands. Our customer loyalty program will be designed to engage and reward our customers in a direct and targeted manner, and to cross merchandise our portfolio brands to our customers. Customers will earn reward points that can be used to purchase products. We will also use loyalty point multipliers to create customer purchases, especially, which is a strategy beauty retailer have effectively used.
Competition
Our business depends on our ability to create consumer demand for our brands and products. We focus on designing products that we hope exceed consumer expectations, which should result in retention and repurchases. We plan to invest in cross merchandising brands to customers through customized customer communications and personalized styles and looks utilizing products across all our portfolio brands, which we believe creates a competitive advantage for our brands versus single brands. The markets in which we compete are highly competitive. Competition may result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins or lost market share, or a failure to grow or maintain our market share, any of which could substantially harm our business and results of operations. We compete directly against wholesalers and direct retailers of apparel, including large, diversified apparel companies with substantial market share and strong worldwide brand recognition. Many of our competitors, including Vince, James Perse, Rag & Bone, Madewell, AG, FRAME, All Saints, Zegna and Ralph Lauren, have significant competitive advantages, including longer operating histories, larger and broader customer bases, more established relationships with a broader set of suppliers, greater brand recognition and greater financial, research and development, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we do.
As a result, these competitors may be better equipped than we are to influence consumer preferences or otherwise increase their market share by:
● quickly adapting to changes in customer requirements or consumer preferences;
● discounting excess inventory that has been written down or written off;
● devoting resources to the marketing and sale of their products, including significant advertising campaigns, media placement, partnerships and product endorsement; and
● engaging in lengthy and costly intellectual property and other disputes.
Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results vary due to the seasonality of our individual brands, and are historically stronger in the second half of the calendar year.
Government Regulation
Our business is subject to a number of domestic and foreign laws and regulations that affect companies conducting business on the Internet, many of which are still evolving and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. These laws and regulations include federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations, which address, among other things, the privacy and security of consumer information, sending of commercial email, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Under applicable federal and state laws and regulations addressing privacy and data security, we must provide notice to consumers of our policies with respect to the collection and use of personal information, and our sharing of personal information with third parties, and notice of any changes to our data handling practices. In some instances, we may be obligated to give customers the right to prevent sharing of their personal information with third parties. Under applicable federal and state laws, we also are required to adhere to a number of requirements when sending commercial email to consumers, including identifying advertising and promotional emails as such, ensuring that subject lines are not deceptive, giving consumers an opportunity to opt-out of further communications and clearly disclosing our name and physical address in each commercial email. Regulation of privacy and data security matters is an evolving area, with new laws and regulations enacted frequently. For example, California recently enacted legislation that, among other things, will require new disclosures to California consumers, and afford such consumers new abilities to opt out of certain sales of personal information. In addition, under applicable federal and state unfair competition laws, including the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, and U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, regulations, we must, and our network of influencers may be required to, accurately identify product offerings, not make misleading claims on our websites or in advertising, and use qualifying disclosures where and when appropriate. The growth and demand for eCommerce could result in more stringent domestic and foreign consumer protection laws that impose additional compliance burdens on companies that transact substantial business on the Internet.
Our international business is subject to additional laws and regulations, including restrictions on imports from, exports to, and services provided to persons located in certain countries and territories, as well as foreign laws and regulations addressing topics such as advertising and marketing practices, customs duties and taxes, privacy, data protection, information security and consumer rights, any of which might apply by virtue of our operations in foreign countries and territories or our contacts with consumers in such foreign countries and territories. Many foreign jurisdictions have laws, regulations, or other requirements relating to privacy, data protection, and consumer protection, and countries and territories are adopting new legislation or other obligations with increasing frequency.
In many jurisdictions, there is great uncertainty whether or how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and personal privacy apply to the Internet and eCommerce. New legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to our business or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and eCommerce could result in significant additional obligations on our business or may necessitate changes to our business practices. These obligations or required changes could have an adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations. Further, any actual or alleged failure to comply with any of these laws or regulations by us, our vendors or our network of influencers could hurt our reputation, brand and business, force us to incur significant expenses in defending against proceedings or investigations, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business, result in a loss of customers and suppliers and may result in the imposition of monetary penalties.
Employees
As of December 31, 2024, we had 41 employees, all of whom were full-time employees. None of our employees is currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have had no labor-related work stoppages and we believe our relationship with our employees is strong.
We believe that a diverse workforce is important to our success. We will continue to focus on the hiring, retention and advancement of women and underrepresented populations, and to cultivate an inclusive and diverse corporate culture. In the future, we intend to continue to evaluate our use of human capital measures or objectives in managing our business such as the factors we employ or seek to employ in the development, attraction and retention of personnel and maintenance of diversity in our workforce.
The success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people. Accordingly, we are committed to the health, safety and wellness of our employees. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of innovative, flexible and convenient health and wellness programs, including benefits that provide protection and security so they can have peace of mind concerning events that may require time away from work or that impact their financial well-being; that support their physical and mental health by providing tools and resources to help them improve or maintain their health status and encourage engagement in healthy behaviors; and that offer choice where possible so they can customize their benefits to meet their needs and the needs of their families.
We also provide robust compensation and benefits programs to help meet the needs of our employees.
Available Information
Our Internet address is https://www.digitalbrandsgroup.co. Our website and the information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the website will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in, and are not considered part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, including exhibits, proxy and information statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available on the SEC’s website http://www.sec.gov. All statements made in any of our securities filings, including all forward-looking statements or information, are made as of the date of the document in which the statement is included, and we do not assume or undertake any obligation to update any of those statements or documents unless we are required to do so by law.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision. If any of the following risks are realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all your investment.
Below is a summary of material risks, uncertainties and other factors that could have a material effect on the Company and its operations:
● We have incurred significant net losses since our inception and cannot assure you that we will achieve or maintain profitable operations.
● If we do not obtain adequate capital funding or improve our financial performance, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.
● Widespread outbreak of an illness or any other public health crisis could materially and adversely affect, and has materially and adversely affected, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
● If our efforts to locate desirable targets are unsuccessful or if we are unable to acquire desirable companies on commercially reasonable terms, we may not be able to grow the business, and our revenues and operating results will be adversely affected.
● We may not be able to successfully integrate future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.
● We may be subject to claims arising from the operations of our various businesses for periods prior to the dates we acquired them.
● Our ability to acquire additional businesses may require issuances of our common stock and/or debt financing that we may be unable to obtain on acceptable terms.
● We have an amount of debt which may be considered significant for a company of our size, which could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to react to changes in our business.
● We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all our debt or refinance our obligations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such indebtedness, which may not be successful.
● Our results of operations have been and could be in the future adversely affected as a result of asset impairments.
● If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
● If we are unable to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences and shifts in fashion and industry trends in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
● Our business depends on our ability to maintain a strong portfolio of brands and engaged customers. We may not be able to maintain and enhance our existing brand portfolio if we receive customer complaints, negative publicity or otherwise fail to live up to consumers’ expectations, which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and growth prospects.
● An economic downturn or economic uncertainty in the United States may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending and demand for our products.
● Adverse macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, including trade policies and tariffs, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
● We operate in highly competitive markets and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of our market share and a decrease in our net revenue.
● Use of social media and influencers may materially and adversely affect our reputation or subject us to fines or other penalties.
● If we fail to retain existing customers, or fail to maintain average order value levels, we may not be able to maintain our revenue base and margins, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
● We purchase inventory in anticipation of sales, and if we are unable to manage our inventory effectively, our operating results could be adversely affected.
● Merchandise returns could harm our business.
● We rely on third-party suppliers and manufacturers to provide raw materials for and to produce our products, and we have limited control over these suppliers and manufacturers and may not be able to obtain quality products on a timely basis or in sufficient quantity.
● Our sales and gross margins may decline as a result of increasing product costs and decreasing selling prices.
● Our operations are currently dependent on a single warehouse and distribution center, and the loss of, or disruption in, the warehouse and distribution center and other factors affecting the distribution of merchandise could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
● Our sales and gross margins may decline because of increasing freight costs.
● Increases in labor costs, including wages, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
● Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
● Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.
● If we cannot successfully protect our intellectual property, our business could suffer.
● If the technology-based systems that give our customers the ability to shop with us online do not function effectively, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.
● Organizations face growing regulatory and compliance requirements.
● Our failure to comply with trade and other regulations could lead to investigations or actions by government regulators and negative publicity.
● Our business is affected by seasonality.
● The price of our common stock has in the past and may in the future fluctuate substantially.
● If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
● We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
● Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.
● Provisions in our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.
● Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.
● We may be required to issue additional shares of our common stock further to agreements whereby we acquired Bailey. Any such additional issuances would result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
● We do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
● If securities analysts do not publish favorable reports about us or if we, or our industry, are the subject of unfavorable commentary, the price of our common stock could decline.
Risks related to our financial condition and business.
We have incurred significant net losses since our inception and cannot assure you that we will achieve or maintain profitable operations.
We have incurred significant net losses since inception. Our net loss was approximately $13.2 and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $127.2 million. We may continue to incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other unknown events, as well as the inflationary and potentially recessive economic environment.
We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase substantially in the foreseeable future as we undertake the acquisition and integration of different brands, incur expenses associated with maintaining compliance as a public company, and incur increased marketing and sales expenses in an effort to grow our customer base. These increased expenditures may make it more difficult to achieve and maintain profitability. In addition, our efforts to grow our business may be more expensive than we expect, and we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to offset increased operating expenses. If we are required to reduce our expenses, our growth strategy could be materially affected. We will need to generate and sustain significant revenue levels in future periods in order to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability.
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will achieve sustainable operating profits as we continue to expand our product offerings and infrastructure, further develop our marketing efforts, and otherwise implement our growth initiatives. Any failure to achieve and maintain profitability would have a materially adverse effect on our ability to implement our business plan, our results and operations, and our financial condition.
We have historically incurred net losses and experienced negative cash flows from operations.
The Company has historically incurred net losses and experienced negative cash flows from operations. As of December 31, 2024, we had a working capital deficit of $16.1 million. However, the Company has successfully obtained substantial capital funding, which, we believe, provides the necessary liquidity to support our ongoing operations.
With this funding, we believe we are positioned to execute our business strategy, invest in growth initiatives, and enhance our financial performance, although additional funding may be required in the future to support expansion.
The amount and timing of our future funding requirements will depend on various factors, including:
● The timing and cost of potential future acquisitions;
● Integration of businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future;
● Hiring additional management and personnel to support our growth; and
● Costs associated with the build-out and opening of showrooms for certain brands, as needed.
We will continue to monitor our financial position and capital needs going forward. Additionally, we remain mindful of any debt financing covenants that may restrict our ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends, or engage in certain transactions.
If our efforts to locate desirable targets are unsuccessful or if we are unable to acquire desirable companies on commercially reasonable terms, we may not be able to grow the business and our revenues and operating results will be adversely affected.
One of our principal growth strategies has been and continues to be is to grow our business and increase our revenue through the acquisition of additional businesses within our industry. It may be difficult for us to identify desirable companies to acquire. We may face competition in our pursuit to acquire additional businesses, which could limit the number of available companies for sale and may lead to higher acquisition prices. When we identify desirable companies, their owners may not be willing to sell their companies at all or on terms that we have determined to be commercially reasonable. If our efforts to locate and acquire desirable companies on terms that are acceptable to us are not successful, our revenues and operating results may be adversely affected.
We may not be able to successfully integrate future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.
A significant part of our grown strategy is acquiring additional businesses. If we buy a company or a division of a company in the future, there can be no assurance that we will be able to profitably manage such business or successfully integrate such business without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial problems. Acquisitions also may require us to spend a substantial portion of our available cash, incur debt or other liabilities, amortize expenses related to intangible assets, incur write-offs of goodwill or other assets or obligate us to issue a substantial number of shares of our capital stock, which would result in dilution for our existing stockholders. There can be no assurance that the businesses we acquire in the future will achieve anticipated revenues or earnings. Additionally:
● the key personnel of the acquired business may decide not to work for us;
● changes in management at an acquired business may impair its relationships with employees and customers;
● we may be unable to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies among acquired businesses;
● we may be unable to successfully implement infrastructure, logistics and systems integration;
● we may be held liable for legal claims (including environmental claims) arising out of activities of the acquired businesses prior to our acquisitions, some of which we may not have discovered during our due diligence, and we may not have indemnification claims available to us or we may not be able to realize on any indemnification claims with respect to those legal claims;
● we will assume risks associated with deficiencies in the internal controls of acquired businesses;
● we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated;
● we may be unable to successfully scale an acquired business; and
● our ongoing business may be disrupted or receive insufficient management attention.
Some or all of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, we may not benefit from our acquisitions as we expect, or in the time frame we expect. In the apparel industry, differing brands are used to reach different market segments and capture new market share. However, not every brand deployment is successful. In addition, integrating an acquired business or technology is risky. We may incur significant costs acquiring, developing, and promoting new brands only to have limited market acceptance and limited resulting sales. If this occurs, our financial results may be negatively impacted and we may determine it is in the best interest of the company to no longer support that brand. If a new brand does not generate sufficient revenues or if we are unable to efficiently manage our expanded operations, our results of operations will be adversely affected. Finally, acquisitions could be viewed negatively by analysts, investors or our customers.
In addition, we may not be successful in acquiring businesses and may expend time and expenses in connection with failed acquisitions. In addition to such time and expenses, public announcement of a failed acquisition could also negatively impact the trading price of our common stock.
We may be subject to claims arising from the operations of our various businesses for periods prior to the dates we acquired them.
We may be subject to claims or liabilities arising from the ownership or operation of acquired businesses for the periods prior to our acquisition of them, including environmental, warranty, workers’ compensation and other employee-related and other liabilities and claims not covered by insurance. These claims or liabilities could be significant. Our ability to seek indemnification from the former owners of our acquired businesses for these claims or liabilities may be limited by various factors, including the specific time, monetary or other limitations contained in the respective acquisition agreements and the financial ability of the former owners to satisfy our indemnification claims. In addition, insurance companies may be unwilling to cover claims that have arisen from acquired businesses or locations, or claims may exceed the coverage limits that our acquired businesses had in effect prior to the date of acquisition. If we are unable to successfully obtain insurance coverage of third-party claims or enforce our indemnification rights against the former owners, or if the former owners are unable to satisfy their obligations for any reason, including because of their current financial position, we could be held liable for the costs or obligations associated with such claims or liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to acquire additional businesses may require issuances of our common stock and/or debt financing that we may be unable to obtain on acceptable terms.
The timing, size and success of our acquisition efforts and the associated capital commitments cannot be readily predicted. We intend to use our common stock, cash, debt and borrowings under our credit facility, if necessary, as consideration for future acquisitions of companies. The issuance of additional common stock in connection with future acquisitions may be dilutive to holders of shares of common stock. In addition, if our common stock does not maintain a sufficient market value or potential acquisition candidates are unwilling to accept common stock as part of the consideration for the sale of their businesses, we may be required to use more of our cash resources, including obtaining additional capital through debt financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing if and when it is needed or that it will be available on terms that we deem acceptable. As a result, we may be unable to pursue our acquisition strategy successfully, which may prevent us from achieving our growth objectives.
We have an amount of debt which may be considered significant for a company of our size, which could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to react to changes in our business.
As of December 31, 2024, we had an aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding of approximately $6.5 million. We believe this is an amount of indebtedness which may be considered significant for a company of our size and current revenue base.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to us. For example, it could:
● make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to the holders of our outstanding debt, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;
● require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to make payments on our debt, which would reduce the availability of our cash flows from operations to fund working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes;
● increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations;
● place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors with proportionately less debt for their size;
● limit our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness or borrow additional funds in the future;
● limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changing conditions in our business; and
● limit our ability to react to competitive pressures or make it difficult for us to carry out capital spending that is necessary or important to our growth strategy.
Any of the foregoing impacts of our substantial indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt or refinance our obligations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such indebtedness, which may not be successful.
We currently have $3.5 million in notes outstanding pursuant to our Bailey acquisition. We are currently unable to repay or refinance borrowings so any such action by these lenders could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation.
In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments on our indebtedness or to refinance our obligations under our debt agreements, will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to the financial and business risk factors we face as described in this section, many of which may be beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures or planned growth objectives, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our indebtedness. In the future, our cash flows and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on and principal of our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In addition, the recent worldwide credit crisis could make it more difficult for us to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all.
In the absence of such operating results and resources, we may be required to dispose of material assets to meet our debt service obligations. We may not be able to consummate those sales, or, if we do, we will not control the timing of the sales or whether the proceeds that we realize will be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due.
Our results of operations have been and could be in the future adversely affected as a result of asset impairments.
Our results of operations and financial condition have been and could be in the future adversely affected by impairments to goodwill, other intangible assets, receivables, long-lived assets or investments. For example, when we acquire a business, we record goodwill in an amount equal to the amount we paid for the business minus the fair value of the net tangible assets and other identifiable intangible assets of the acquired business. Goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives cannot be amortized, but instead must be tested at least annually for impairment. As a result of our acquisitions of Sundry, Stateside and Bailey, our goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2024 were $9.0 and $6.1 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024, we recorded impairment expense of $0.0 million and $1.4 million pertaining to the goodwill and intangible assets. Any future impairments, including impairments of goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets or investments, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the period in which the impairment is recognized.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
We have grown and expect to continue to grow rapidly. To effectively manage our growth, we must continue to implement our operational plans and strategies, improve our business processes, improve and expand our infrastructure of people and information systems, and expand, train and manage our employee base. Since our inception and as a result of our acquisitions, we have rapidly increased our employee headcount across our organization to support the growth of our business. To support continued growth, we must effectively integrate, develop and motivate a large number of new employees while maintaining our corporate culture. We face significant competition for personnel. To attract top talent, we have had to offer, and expect to continue to offer, competitive compensation and benefits packages before we can validate the productivity of new employees. We may also need to increase our employee compensation levels to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented employees. The risks associated with a rapidly growing workforce will be particularly acute as we choose to expand into new merchandise categories and internationally. Additionally, we may not be able to hire new employees quickly enough to meet our needs. If we fail to effectively manage our hiring needs or successfully integrate new hires, our efficiency, our ability to meet forecasts and our employee morale, productivity and retention could suffer, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are also required to manage numerous relationships with various vendors and other third parties.
Further growth of our operations, vendor base, fulfillment center, information technology systems or internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to support our operations. If we are unable to manage the growth of our organization effectively, our business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.
If we are unable to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences and shifts in fashion and industry trends in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
Our success largely depends on our ability to consistently gauge tastes and trends and provide a diverse and balanced assortment of merchandise that satisfies customer demands in a timely manner. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including an increase or decrease in demand for our products or for products of our competitors, our failure to accurately forecast acceptance of new products, product introductions by competitors, unanticipated changes in general market conditions, and weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. We typically enter into agreements to manufacture and purchase our merchandise in advance of the applicable selling season and our failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately, or in a timely manner to changes in customer preferences, tastes and trends or economic conditions could lead to, among other things, missed opportunities, excess inventory or inventory shortages, markdowns and write-offs, all of which could negatively impact our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Failure to respond to changing customer preferences and fashion trends could also negatively impact the image of our brands with our customers and result in diminished brand loyalty.
Our business depends on our ability to maintain a strong portfolio of brands and engaged customers. We may not be able to maintain and enhance our existing brand portfolio if we receive customer complaints, negative publicity or otherwise fail to live up to consumers’ expectations, which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and growth prospects.
Our ability to acquire or offer new brands and maintain and enhance the appeal of our existing brands is critical to expanding our base of customers. A significant portion of our customers’ experience depends on third parties outside of our control, including vendors, suppliers and logistics providers such as FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service. If these third parties do not meet our or our customers’ expectations, including timely delivery of our products, or if they increase their rates, our business may suffer irreparable damage or our costs may increase. Also, if we fail to promote and maintain our brands, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business, operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. We anticipate that as our market becomes increasingly competitive, our ability to acquire or offer new brands and to maintain and enhance our existing brands may become increasingly difficult and expensive and will depend largely on our ability to provide high quality products to our customers and a reliable, trustworthy and profitable sales channel to our vendors, which we may not do successfully.
Customer complaints or negative publicity about our sites, products, product delivery times, customer data handling and security practices or customer support, especially on blogs, social media websites and our sites, could rapidly and severely diminish consumer use of our sites and consumer and supplier confidence in us and result in harm to our brands.
An economic downturn or economic uncertainty in the United States may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending and demand for our products.
Our operating results are affected by the relative condition of the United States economy, as many of our products may be considered discretionary items for consumers. Our customers may reduce their spending and purchases due to job loss or fear of job loss, foreclosures, bankruptcies, higher consumer debt and interest rates, reduced access to credit, falling home prices, increased taxes, and/or lower consumer confidence. Consumer demand for our products may not reach our targets, or may decline, when there is an economic downturn or economic uncertainty. Current, recent past, and future conditions may also adversely affect our pricing and liquidation strategy; promotional activities, product liquidation, and decreased demand for consumer products could affect profitability and margins. Any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Additionally, many of the effects and consequences of U.S. and global financial and economic conditions could potentially have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources, including the ability to raise additional capital, if needed, or could otherwise negatively affect our business and financial results. For example, global economic conditions may also adversely affect our suppliers’ access to capital and liquidity with which to maintain their inventory, production levels, and product quality and to operate their businesses, all of which could adversely affect our supply chain. Market instability could make it more difficult for us and our suppliers to accurately forecast future product demand trends, which could cause us to carry too much or too little merchandise in various product categories.
Adverse macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, including trade policies and tariffs, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Challenging macroeconomic conditions, including as a result of geopolitical events, changes to international trade policies, public health crises, disruptions in global supply chains, and changes in inflation and interest rates, may negatively impact our costs from our suppliers and consumer demand for our products, as well as sales cycles, and in turn may materially affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Such economic factors and uncertainties are beyond the Company’s control and the Company has no comparative advantage in forecasting their effects.
The U.S. has established free trade laws and regulations that set certain duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where our supplies may be sourced could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. In recent years, the U.S. and Chinese governments have imposed a series of significant incremental retaliatory tariffs to certain imported products. Further, the U.S. administration recently has begun to enact additional or enhanced tariffs in various jurisdictions relevant to our business. Implementation of tariffs or other restrictive trade measures by the United States and potentially reciprocally by other countries subject to such to tariffs remains highly uncertain. If the actual and potential tariffs and reciprocal tariffs are implemented as currently proposed, our results of operations could be materially negatively impacted, both directly and indirectly through negative effects to our supply chain, as a result of increased costs, decreased demand and other adverse economic impacts, and we may not be able to successfully mitigate or offset such impacts. Depending upon their implementation and duration, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these tariffs and any other future regulatory actions implemented on a broader range of products or raw materials could materially affect our business, including in the form of increased cost of goods sold, decreased margins, increased pricing for customers, reduced sales and disruption in our supply chain. Furthermore, additional trade restrictions could be adopted with little to no advance notice, and we may not be able to effectively mitigate the adverse impacts from such measures, which could further increase the cost of our products, disrupt our supply chain and impair our ability to effectively operate and compete in the countries where we do business. The Company is closely monitoring this evolving situation but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to mitigate the impacts of any trade measures, which could be material to the Company’s business operations or harm the Company’s competitive position.
We operate in highly competitive markets and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of our market share and a decrease in our net revenue.
The markets in which we compete are highly competitive. Competition may result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins or lost market share, or a failure to grow or maintain our market share, any of which could substantially harm our business and results of operations. We compete directly against wholesalers and direct retailers of apparel, including large, diversified apparel companies with substantial market share and strong worldwide brand recognition. Many of our competitors, including Vince, James Perse, Rag & Bone, Madewell, AG, FRAME, All Saints, Zegna and Ralph Lauren, have significant competitive advantages, including longer operating histories, larger and broader customer bases, more established relationships with a broader set of suppliers, greater brand recognition and greater financial, research and development, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we do.
As a result, these competitors may be better equipped than we are to influence consumer preferences or otherwise increase their market share by:
● quickly adapting to changes in customer requirements or consumer preferences;
● discounting excess inventory that has been written down or written off;
● devoting resources to the marketing and sale of their products, including significant advertising campaigns, media placement, partnerships and product endorsement; and
● engaging in lengthy and costly intellectual property and other disputes.
Our inability to compete successfully against our competitors and maintain our gross margin could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Use of social media and influencers may materially and adversely affect our reputation or subject us to fines or other penalties.
We use third-party social media platforms as, among other things, marketing tools. We also maintain relationships with many social media influencers and engage in sponsorship initiatives. As existing e-commerce and social media platforms continue to rapidly evolve and new platforms develop, we must continue to maintain a presence on these platforms and establish presences on new or emerging popular social media platforms. If we are unable to cost-effectively use social media platforms as marketing tools or if the social media platforms we use change their policies or algorithms, we may not be able to fully optimize such platforms, and our ability to maintain and acquire customers and our financial condition may suffer.
Furthermore, as laws and regulations and public opinion rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, the failure by us, our employees, our network of social media influencers, our sponsors or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use of these platforms and devices or otherwise could subject us to regulatory investigations, class action lawsuits, liability, fines or other penalties and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
In addition, an increase in the use of social media for product promotion and marketing may cause an increase in the burden on us to monitor compliance of such materials, and increase the risk that such materials could contain problematic product or marketing claims in violation of applicable regulations. For example, in some cases, the FTC has sought enforcement action where an endorsement has failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose a financial relationship or material connection between an influencer and an advertiser.
We do not prescribe what our influencers post, and if we were held responsible for the content of their posts or their actions, we could be fined or forced to alter our practices, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
Negative commentary regarding us, our products or influencers and other third parties who are affiliated with us may also be posted on social media platforms and may be adverse to our reputation or business. Influencers with whom we maintain relationships could engage in behavior or use their platforms to communicate directly with our customers in a manner that reflects poorly on our brand and may be attributed to us or otherwise adversely affect us. It is not possible to prevent such behavior, and the precautions we take to detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Our target consumers often value readily available information and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to its accuracy. The harm may be immediate, without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.
If we fail to retain existing customers, or fail to maintain average order value levels, we may not be able to maintain our revenue base and margins, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
A significant portion of our net sales are generated from sales to existing customers. If existing customers no longer find our offerings appealing, or if we are unable to timely update our offerings to meet current trends and customer demands, our existing customers may make fewer or smaller purchases in the future. A decrease in the number of our customers who make repeat purchases or a decrease in their spending on the merchandise we offer could negatively impact our operating results. Further, we believe that our future success will depend in part on our ability to increase sales to our existing customers over time, and if we are unable to do so, our business may suffer. If we fail to generate repeat purchases or maintain high levels of customer engagement and average order value, our growth prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We purchase inventory in anticipation of sales, and if we are unable to manage our inventory effectively, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business requires us to manage a large volume of inventory effectively. We regularly add new apparel, accessories and beauty styles to our sites, and we depend on our forecasts of demand for and popularity of various products to make purchase decisions and to manage our inventory of stock- keeping units, or SKUs. Demand for products, however, can change significantly between the time inventory is ordered and the date of sale. Demand may be affected by seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, product defects, promotions, changes in consumer spending patterns, changes in consumer tastes with respect to our products and other factors, and our consumers may not purchase products in the quantities that we expect.
It may be difficult to accurately forecast demand and determine appropriate levels of product. We generally do not have the right to return unsold products to our suppliers. If we fail to manage our inventory effectively or negotiate favorable credit terms with third-party suppliers, we may be subject to a heightened risk of inventory obsolescence, a decline in inventory values, and significant inventory write-downs or write-offs. In addition, if we are required to lower sale prices in order to reduce inventory level or to pay higher prices to our suppliers, our profit margins might be negatively affected. Any failure to manage owned brand expansion or accurately forecast demand for owned brands could adversely affect growth, margins and inventory levels. In addition, our ability to meet customer demand has been and may be in the future negatively impacted by disruptions in the supply chain from a number of factors, including, for example, the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China. The COVID-19 coronavirus has impacted our supply chain and may delay or prevent the manufacturing or transport of product. Any of the above may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Merchandise returns could harm our business.
We allow our customers to return products, subject to our return policy. If the rate of merchandise returns increases significantly or if merchandise return economics become less efficient, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed. Further, we modify our policies relating to returns from time to time, which may result in customer dissatisfaction or an increase in the number of product returns. From time to time our products are damaged in transit, which can increase return rates and harm our brands.
We rely on third-party suppliers and manufacturers to provide raw materials for and to produce our products, and we have limited control over these suppliers and manufacturers and may not be able to obtain quality products on a timely basis or in sufficient quantity.
We rely on third-party suppliers primarily located outside of the United States to provide raw materials for our products. In addition, we do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and rely solely on unaffiliated manufacturers primarily located outside the United States to manufacture our products. Increases in the costs of labor and other costs of doing business in these countries could significantly increase our costs to produce our products and could have a negative impact on our operations, net revenue, and earnings. In addition, certain of our manufacturers are subject to government regulations related to wage rates, and therefore the labor costs to produce our products may fluctuate. Factors that could negatively affect our business include a potential significant revaluation of the currencies used in these countries, which may result in an increase in the cost of producing products, labor shortages and stoppages and increases in labor costs, and difficulties in moving products manufactured out of the countries in which they are manufactured and through the ports in North America, whether due to port congestion, labor disputes, product regulations and/or inspections or other factors, and natural disasters or health pandemics. A labor strike or other transportation disruption affecting these ports could significantly disrupt our business. In addition, the imposition of trade sanctions or other regulations against products imported by us from, or the loss of “normal trade relations” status with any country in which our products are manufactured, could significantly increase our cost of products and harm our business. We may also experience increased costs in raw goods, transportation and labor. Additionally, we are also subject to global supply chain disruptions, which may include longer lead times for raw fabrics, inbound shipping and longer production times.
Supply chain issues have specifically impacted the following for our brands:
● Increased costs in raw materials from fabric prices, which have increased 10% to 100% depending on the fabric, the time of year, and the origin of the fabric, as well as where the fabric is being shipped;
● Increased cost per kilo to ship via sea or air, which has increased from 25% to 300% depending on the time of year and from the country we are shipping from;
● Increased transit time via sea or air, which have increased by two weeks to two months; and
● Increased labor costs for producing the finished goods, which have increased 5% to 25% depending on the country and the labor skill required to produce the goods.
The operations of our suppliers can be subject to additional risks beyond our control, including shipping delays, labor disputes, trade restrictions, tariffs and embargos, or any other change in local conditions. We may experience a significant disruption in the supply of fabrics or raw materials from current sources or, in the event of a disruption, we may be unable to locate alternative materials suppliers of comparable quality at an acceptable price, or at all. We do not have any long-term supply contracts in place with any of our suppliers and we compete with other companies, including many of our competitors, for fabrics, raw materials, production and import quota capacity. We have occasionally received, and may in the future receive, shipments of products that fail to comply with our specifications or that fail to conform to our quality control standards. We have also received, and may in the future receive, products that are otherwise unacceptable to us or our customers. Under these circumstances, we may incur substantial expense to remedy the problems and may be required to obtain replacement products. If we fail to remedy any such problem in a timely manner, we risk the loss of net revenue resulting from the inability to sell those products and related increased administrative and shipping costs. Additionally, if the unacceptability of our products is not discovered until after such products are purchased by our customers, our customers could lose confidence in our products or we could face a product recall. In such an event our brand reputation may be negatively impacted which could negatively impact our results of operations.
These and other factors beyond our control could result in our third-party suppliers and manufacturers being unable to fill our orders in a timely manner. If we experience significant increased demand, or we lose or need to replace an existing third- party supplier and manufacturer as a result of adverse economic conditions or other reasons, we may not be able to secure additional manufacturing capacity when required or on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or manufacturers may not be able to allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. In addition, even if we are able to find new third-party suppliers or manufacturers, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our manufacturers on our methods, products and quality control standards. Moreover, it is possible that we will experience defects, errors, or other problems with their work that will materially affect our operations and we may have little or no recourse to recover damages for these losses. Any delays, interruption or increased costs in the supply of fabric or manufacture of our products could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet retail customer and consumer demand for our products and result in lower net revenues and net income both in the short and long term.
In addition to the foregoing, one of our subsidiary’s depends on two primary suppliers located in China and Turkey for the substantial portion of raw materials used in its products and the manufacture of these products, which makes it vulnerable to a disruption in the supply of its products. As a result, termination of these supply arrangements, an adverse change in the financial condition of these suppliers or an adverse change in their ability to manufacture and/or deliver desired products on a timely basis each could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our sales and gross margins may decline as a result of increasing product costs and decreasing selling prices.
The fabrics used in our products include synthetic fabrics whose raw materials include petroleum-based products, as well as natural fibers such as cotton. Significant price fluctuations or shortages in petroleum or other raw materials can materially adversely affect our cost of net revenues.
In addition, the United States and the countries in which our products are produced or sold internationally have imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, or other restrictions or regulations, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels. Countries impose, modify and remove tariffs and other trade restrictions in response to a diverse array of factors, including global and national economic and political conditions, which make it impossible for us to predict future developments regarding tariffs and other trade restrictions. Trade restrictions, including tariffs, quotas, embargoes, safeguards, and customs restrictions, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us or may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other current business practices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations are currently dependent on a single warehouse and distribution center, and the loss of, or disruption in, the warehouse and distribution center and other factors affecting the distribution of merchandise could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
Our warehouse and fulfillment/distribution functions are currently primarily handled from a single facility in Vernon, California. Our current fulfillment/distribution operations are dependent on the continued use of this facility. Any significant interruption in the operation of the warehouse and fulfillment/ distribution center due to COVID-19 restrictions, natural disasters, accidents, system issues or failures, or other unforeseen causes that materially impair our ability to access or use our facility, could delay or impair the ability to distribute merchandise and fulfill online orders, which could cause sales to decline.
We also depend upon third-party carriers for shipment of a significant amount of merchandise directly to our customers. An interruption in service by these third-party carriers for any reason could cause temporary disruptions in business, a loss of sales and profits, and other material adverse effects.
Our sales and gross margins may decline as a result of increasing freight costs.
Freight costs are impacted by changes in fuel prices through surcharges, among other factors. Fuel prices and surcharges affect freight costs both on inbound freight from suppliers to the distribution center as well as outbound freight from the distribution center to stores/shops, supplier returns and third-party liquidators, and shipments of product to customers. The cost of transporting our products for distribution and sale is also subject to fluctuation due in large part to the price of oil. Because most of our products are manufactured abroad, our products must be transported by third parties over large geographical distances and an increase in the price of oil can significantly increase costs. Manufacturing delays or unexpected transportation delays can also cause us to rely more heavily on airfreight to achieve timely delivery to our customers, which significantly increases freight costs. Increases in fuel prices, surcharges, and other potential factors may increase freight costs. Any of these fluctuations may increase our cost of products and have an adverse effect on our margins, results of operations and financial condition.
Increases in labor costs, including wages, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Labor is a significant portion of our cost structure and is subject to many external factors, including unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage laws, potential collective bargaining arrangements, health insurance costs and other insurance costs and changes in employment and labor legislation or other workplace regulation. From time to time, legislative proposals are made to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States, as well as the minimum wage in California and a number of other states and municipalities, and to reform entitlement programs, such as health insurance and paid leave programs. As minimum wage rates increase or related laws and regulations change, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to our other hourly or salaried employees. Any increase in the cost of our labor could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or if we fail to pay such higher wages we could suffer increased employee turnover. Increases in labor costs could force us to increase prices, which could adversely impact our sales. If competitive pressures or other factors prevent us from offsetting increased labor costs by increases in prices, our profitability may decline and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information, and financial and other personally identifiable information of our customers and employees. The secure processing, maintenance, and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen. Advanced attacks are multi-staged, unfold over time, and utilize a range of attack vectors with military-grade cyber weapons and proven techniques, such as spear phishing and social engineering, leaving organizations and users at high risk of being compromised. The vast majority of data breaches, whether conducted by a cyber attacker from inside or outside of the organization, involve the misappropriation of digital identities and user credentials. These credentials are used to gain legitimate access to sensitive systems and high-value personal and corporate data. Many large, well-known organizations have been subject to cyber-attacks that exploited the identity vector, demonstrating that even organizations with significant resources and security expertise have challenges securing their identities. Any such access, disclosure, or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, a disruption of our operations, damage to our reputation, or a loss of confidence in our business, any of which could adversely affect our business, revenues, and competitive position.
Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.
Our future success largely depends upon the continued services of our executive officers and management team, especially our Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. John “Hil” Davis. If one or more of our executive officers are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Additionally, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new executive officers. If any of our executive officers joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some or all of our customers. Finally, we do not maintain “key person” life insurance on any of our executive officers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any of these key persons could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and thereby an investment in our stock.
In addition, our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, especially employees with experience in the fashion and fitness industries, will also be critical to our success because we will need to hire and retain additional personnel as our business grows. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. We face significant competition for skilled personnel in our industries. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire, and retain qualified managers and employees. Because of these factors, we may not be able to effectively manage or grow our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition or business. As a result, the value of your investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.
If we cannot successfully protect our intellectual property, our business could suffer.
We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, contractual protections and other practices to protect our brand, proprietary information, technologies and processes. We primarily rely on copyright and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary technologies and processes, including the algorithms we use throughout our business. Others may independently develop the same or similar technologies and processes, or may improperly acquire and use information about our technologies and processes, which may allow them to provide a service similar to ours, which could harm our competitive position. Our principal trademark assets include the registered trademarks “DSTLD”, “Bailey 44”, “AVO”, “STATESIDE” and “SUNDRY” and our logos and taglines. Our trademarks are valuable assets that support our brand and consumers’ perception of our services and merchandise. We also hold the rights to the “www.digitalbrandsgroup.co”, www.dstld.com, “www.bailey44.com” Internet domain name and various related domain names, which are subject to Internet regulatory bodies and trademark and other related laws of each applicable jurisdiction. If we are unable to protect our trademarks or domain names, our brand recognition and reputation would suffer, we would incur significant expense establishing new brands and our operating results would be adversely impacted. Further, to the extent we pursue patent protection for our innovations, patents we may apply for may not issue, and patents that do issue or that we acquire may not provide us with any competitive advantages or may be challenged by third parties. There can be no assurance that any patents we obtain will adequately protect our inventions or survive a legal challenge, as the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of patent and other intellectual property rights are uncertain. We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights, and the efforts we take to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient.
If the technology-based systems that give our customers the ability to shop with us online do not function effectively, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.
A substantial number of our customers currently shop with us through our e-commerce website and mobile application. Increasingly, customers are using tablets and smart phones to shop online with us and with our competitors and to do comparison shopping. Any failure on our part to provide an attractive, effective, reliable, user-friendly e-commerce platform that offers a wide assortment of merchandise with rapid delivery options and that continually meet the changing expectations of online shoppers could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of sales, harm our reputation with customers, and could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Organizations face growing regulatory and compliance requirements.
New and evolving regulations and compliance standards for cyber security, data protection, privacy, and internal IT controls are often created in response to the tide of cyber-attacks and will increasingly impact organizations. Existing regulatory standards require that organizations implement internal controls for user access to applications and data. In addition, data breaches are driving a new wave of regulation with stricter enforcement and higher penalties. Regulatory and policy-driven obligations require expensive and time-consuming compliance measures. The fear of non-compliance failed audits, and material findings has pushed organizations to spend more to ensure they are in compliance, often resulting in costly, one-off implementations to mitigate potential fines or reputational damage. Any substantial costs associated with failing to meet regulatory requirements, combined with the risk of fallout from security breaches, could have a material adverse effect on our business and brand.
Our failure to comply with trade and other regulations could lead to investigations or actions by government regulators and negative publicity.
The labeling, distribution, importation, marketing and sale of our products are subject to extensive regulation by various federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Product Safety Commission and state attorneys general in the U.S., as well as by various other federal, state, provincial, local and international regulatory authorities in the locations in which our products are distributed or sold. If we fail to comply with those regulations, we could become subject to significant penalties or claims or be required to recall products, which could negatively impact our results of operations and disrupt our ability to conduct our business, as well as damage our brand image with consumers. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing regulations may result in significant unanticipated compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may impair the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of net revenues.
Any international operations are also subject to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and other anti-bribery laws applicable to our operations. Although we have policies and procedures to address compliance with the FCPA and similar laws, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, agents and other partners will not take actions in violations of our policies. Any such violation could subject us to sanctions or other penalties that could negatively affect our reputation, business and operating results.
Our business is affected by seasonality.
Our business is affected by the general seasonal trends common to the retail apparel industry. This seasonality may adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate, and, as a result, we believe that comparisons of our operating results between different quarters within a single fiscal year are not necessarily meaningful and that results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
The price of our common stock has in the past and may in the future fluctuate substantially.
The market price of our common stock has in the past and could in the future be extremely volatile. From May 2021 to March 31, 2025, the high and low prices of our common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market (through December 17, 2024) and the OTC Pink (beginning on December 18, 2024) was $746,250 and $1.03, respectively (as appropriately adjusted for Reverse Stock Splits). The future market price of our common stock may be significantly affected by factors, such as:
● market conditions affecting the apparel industries;
● quarterly variations in our results of operations;
● changes in government regulations;
● the announcement of acquisitions by us or our competitors;
● changes in general economic and political conditions;
● volatility in the financial markets;
● results of our operations and the operations of others in our industry;
● changes in interest rates;
● threatened or actual litigation and government investigations;
● the addition or departure of key personnel;
● actions taken by our stockholders, including the sale or disposition of their shares of our common stock; and
● differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors and analysts and changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections.
These and other factors may lower the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. As a result, our common stock may trade at prices significantly below the public offering price.
Furthermore, in recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the price of our common stock and materially affect the value of your investment.
In the past, securities class action litigation often has been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. This type of litigation, if directed at us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.
If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We are not currently required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and are therefore not required to make an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses relate to the fact that we do not maintain a comprehensive policies and procedures manual designed to establish internal controls over financial reporting to reduce the risk of publishing materially misstated financial statements, as well as define responsibilities and segregate incompatible duties to reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions.
We are in the process of taking steps intended to remedy these material weaknesses, and we will not be able to fully address these material weaknesses until these steps have been completed. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Controls and Procedures” for information regarding our remediation efforts.
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. A material weakness is defined in the standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) as a deficiency, or an acquisition of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We intend to begin the process of designing, implementing and testing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process is time consuming, costly and complex. If we fail to increase and maintain the number and expertise of our staff for our accounting and finance functions and to improve and maintain internal control over financial reporting adequate to meet the demands that will be placed upon us as a public company, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately and prevent fraud. In addition, we cannot be certain that any such steps we undertake will successfully remediate the material weaknesses or that other material weaknesses and control deficiencies will not be discovered in the future. If our remediation efforts are not successful or other material weaknesses or control deficiencies occur in the future, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately or on a timely basis, which could cause our reported financial results to be materially misstated and result in the loss of investor confidence or delisting and cause our stock price to decline. As a result of such failures, we could also become subject to investigations by the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, and become subject to litigation from investors and stockholders, any of which could harm our reputation and financial condition and divert financial and management resources. Even if we are able to report our consolidated financial statements accurately and timely, if we do not make all the necessary improvements to address the material weaknesses, continued disclosure of our material weaknesses will be required in future filings with the SEC, which could reduce investor confidence in our reported results and our cause our stock price to decline.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Those exemptions include, but are not limited to, a requirement to present only two years of audited financial statements, an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure about executive compensation arrangements in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and no requirement to seek non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. We have elected to adopt these reduced disclosure requirements. We may take advantage of these provisions until we are no longer an emerging growth company.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior December 31st, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result of our taking advantage of these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of our choices, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non- emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, or (2) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. If we are a smaller reporting company at the time we cease to be an emerging growth company, we may continue to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are available to smaller reporting companies. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and, similar to emerging growth companies, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. Furthermore, as long as we are neither a “large, accelerated filer” nor an “accelerated filer,” as a smaller reporting company, we would not be required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.
Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.
The market price of our common stock could decline significantly as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering. These sales, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock or make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
Provisions in our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable because they, among other things:
● establish a supermajority voting requirement of at least 66 2∕3% of the outstanding voting stock in order to amend certain provisions in our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which makes it more difficult for stockholders to eliminate anti- takeover provisions;
● eliminate stockholder-initiated action by written consent in lieu of a meeting, which hampers the ability of stockholders to take action during the interim periods between annual meetings of stockholders; and
● require the written request of stockholders holding an aggregate of 25% of shares of our common stock in order for stockholders to call a special meeting, which together with the elimination of stockholder action by written consent described above, makes it very difficult for stockholders to take action during the interim periods between annual meetings of stockholders.
As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to the Delaware anti-takeover provisions contained in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under Delaware law, a corporation may not engage in a business acquisition with any holder of 15% or more of its capital stock unless the holder has held the stock for three years or, among other things, the board of directors has approved the transaction. Our board of directors could rely on this provision to prevent or delay an acquisition of us.
Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.
Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if and only if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
● any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;
● any action asserting a breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders;
● any action asserting a claim against us or our directors, officers or other employees arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws;
● any action or proceeding to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws;
● any action or proceeding as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; or
● any action asserting a claim against us or our directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the “internal affairs doctrine” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the U.S. federal district courts have exclusive jurisdiction of the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. The enforceability of similar exclusive federal forum provisions in other companies’ organizational documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and while the Delaware Supreme Court has ruled that this type of exclusive federal forum provision is facially valid under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts would enforce such provisions and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
This exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to this exclusive forum provision of our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find this choice of forum provision in our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions. Additional costs associated with resolving an action in other jurisdictions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We intend to retain our future earnings, if any, in order to reinvest in the development and growth of our business and, therefore, do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, the limits imposed by the terms of our credit facility and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, investors in our common stock may need to sell their shares to realize a return on their investment in our common stock, and investors may not be able to sell their shares at or above the prices paid for them.
If securities analysts do not publish favorable reports about us or if we, or our industry, are the subject of unfavorable commentary, the price of our common stock could decline.
The trading price for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports about us that are published by analysts in the financial industry. Analysts could issue negative commentary about us or our industry, or they could downgrade our common stock. We may also not receive sufficient research coverage or visibility in the market. Any of these factors could result in the decline of the trading price of our common stock, causing investors in our common stock to lose all or a portion of their investment.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We currently have month to month rented properties approximately 44,206 square feet of office and showroom spaces in California. We believe that our existing facilities will be sufficient for our needs for the foreseeable future.
The following table sets forth information with respect to our facilities:
Square
Footage
Location Type (approximate)
Vernon, California Corporate Warehouse and Distribution Center 42,206

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently involved in, and may in the future be involved in, legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations in the ordinary course of business. These include proceedings, claims, and investigations relating to, among other things, regulatory matters, commercial matters, intellectual property, competition, tax, employment, pricing, discrimination, consumer rights, personal injury, and property rights. These matters also include the following:
● On March 21, 2023, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $43,501. Such amounts include interest due, and are included in accounts payable, net of payments made to date, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that the losses in excess of such trade payables will be incurred.
● On November 16, 2023, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $345,384, which represents past due fees and late fees. Such amounts are included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that losses in excess of such pay trade payables will be incurred.
● On December 21, 2023, a former employee from over two years ago filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Company. The Company is disputing this claim and has been awarded arbitration for this matter.
● On March 20, 2024, a former employee from over two years ago filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Company. The Company is disputing this claim. This person was not a Company employee at any time and was temporary worker we used from a third party placement agency.
● On April 17, 2024, a former employee filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Company. The Company is disputing this claim and has been awarded arbitration for this matter. This employee was part of the marketing team. The marketing team was let go and the Company moved to a third-party outsourced marketing solution.
● A vendor filed a lawsuit against Bailey 44 related to a retail store lease in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company is disputing the claim for damages and the matter is ongoing. The vendor has recently updated the claim to now be $450,968 after signing a long-term lease with another brand for this location. The Company is disputing this new amount after review of the lease.
● On November 15, 2023, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $582,208, which represents “double damages.” The amount due to the vendor is $292,604. Such amounts are included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that losses in excess of such pay trade payables will be incurred. The matter was settled for $400,000 and is currently on a monthly payment plan.
All claims above, to the extent management believes it will be liable, have been included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.
Depending on the nature of the proceeding, claim, or investigation, we may be subject to monetary damage awards, fines, penalties, or injunctive orders. Furthermore, the outcome of these matters could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The outcomes of legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant judgment to determine the likelihood and amount of loss related to such matters. While it is not possible to determine the outcomes, we believe based on our current knowledge that the resolution of all such pending matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our Common Stock is quoted on The OTC Pink Marketplace under the symbol “DBGI”. Prior to December 18, 2024, the Company’s common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market (through December 17, 2024) and OTC Markets (beginning on December 18, 2024). The OTC Markets is a computer network that provides information on current “bids” and “asks,” as well as volume information. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Dollar amounts included in the table have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Splits.
Low High
Fiscal 2023
First Quarter (January 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023) $ 1,387.50 $ 5,337.50
Second Quarter (April 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023) $ 725.00 $ 1,950.00
Third Quarter (July 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023) $ 367.00 $ 1,237.50
Fourth Quarter (October 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023) $ 139.50 $ 424.50
Fiscal 2024
First Quarter (January 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024) $ 115.00 $ 640.00
Second Quarter (April 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024) $ 65.50 $ 242.50
Third Quarter (July 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024) $ 15.00 $ 105.50
Fourth Quarter (October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024) $ 1.03 $ 30.34
Fiscal 2025
First Quarter (January 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025) $ 1.25 $ 10.19
On April 8, 2025, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $9.39 per share. There is no established public trading market for the Units, the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Units, the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any securities exchange or recognized trading system.
Holders
On April 9, 2025, there were 62 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our shares of common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
In February 2024, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,059 shares of common stock to a marketing vendor for services. The fair value of $173,290 or $163.50 per share as determined by the agreements, was included in sales and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
In February 2024, the Company issued an aggregate of 311 shares of common stock to a vendor as conversion of accounts payable for a total value of $50,975.
In March 2024, 3,042 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock converted into 3,840 shares of common stock.
On May 3, 2024, the Company entered into that certain inducement offer to exercise common stock purchase warrants with the Investor (the “Inducement Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) the Company agreed to lower the exercise price of the Existing Warrants to $156.50 per share and (ii) the Investor agreed to exercise the Existing Warrants into 20,555 shares of common stock (the “Exercise Shares”) by payment of the aggregate exercise price of $3,216,857. The closing occurred on May 7, 2024. The Company has issued all of the 20,555 shares of common stock underlying the Existing Warrants. The Company received the entire gross proceeds of $3,216,857 in May 2024, which represents the exercise of the entire 20,555 warrants at the $156.50 exercise price. The Company received net proceeds of $2,877,475 after placement agent fees and expenses. In addition, pursuant to the Inducement Agreement, the Company issued to the Investor a Series A-1 common share purchase warrant to purchase up to 20,555 shares of Common Stock (“Series A-1 Warrant”) and Series B-1 common share purchase warrant to purchase up to 20,555 shares of Common Stock (“Series B-1 Warrant”, and collectively with the Series A-1 Warrant, the “Warrants”) on May 7, 2024, each at an initial exercise price equal to $144 per share of Common Stock. The Series A-1 Warrant are exercisable immediately upon issuance and expires five and one-half (5.5) years following the issuance date and the Series B-1 Warrant are exercisable immediately upon issuance and expires fifteen (15) months following the issuance date. In connection with the Inducement Agreement, we entered into an engagement agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”), pursuant to which we have, among other things, issued to Wainwright’s designees warrants to purchase up to 1,541 shares of Common Stock (the “Wainwright Warrants”). The terms of the Wainwright Warrants are substantially the same as the terms of the Series A-1 Warrant except that they have an exercise price of $195.63 per share.
In July 2024, the Company issued 1,210 shares of common stock to a vendor for services rendered for a total value of $172,501.
In July 2024, 299 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock converted into 333 shares of common stock.
In August 2024, 101 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock converted into 112 shares of common stock.
In August 2024, the Company issued 2,120 shares of common stock to a commercial debt holder in satisfaction of $313,816 of debt.
Between October 3, 2024 and October 15, 2024, the Company issued 26,226 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) to a certain note holder upon conversion of a portion of their promissory note originally issued by the Company on or around October 1, 2023 (the “Note”). On October 16, 2024, the Company became aware that the issuance of the Shares was in error and not permitted under the terms of the Note due to the requirement thereunder that stockholder approval be obtained prior to the issuance of more than 19.9% of the Company’s pre-transaction shares outstanding upon conversion(s) of the Note, as referenced and specifically required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d). The Company then notified the note holder that the Shares must be returned to the Company’s transfer agent for cancellation. On November 5, 2024, the holder facilitated the cancellation of 26,226 shares of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the Company’s remediation plan. The Company communicated with The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC regarding the aforementioned erroneous issuance of the Shares and subsequent remediation actions. The Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC considered the Company’s non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) as an additional basis for the delisting of the Company’s securities from Nasdaq.
On or around January 17, 2025, the Company closed a private placement pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with a certain accredited investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a private placement, a promissory note in the principal amount of $121,900.00 (the “January 2025 Note”). The January 2025 Note is convertible into common stock upon default at a conversion price equal to 61% of the lowest closing bid price during the ten trading days prior to the conversion date. The January 2025 Note provides that the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon conversion thereof shall not exceed 19.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the issuance date of the January 2025 Note.
On or around January 20, 2025, the Company entered into a vendor agreement (the “Vendor Agreement”) with MavDB Consulting LLC (the “Vendor”). The engagement of the Vendor is for a five (5) year period and the vendor services to be provided include, but are not limited to, product content production, social media marketing, engagement of influencers and student athletes for product awareness, and event and staffing costs (the “Services”). In consideration for the Services, the Company will pay the Vendor a vendor fee equal to $3,000,000 (the “Cash Fee”) within thirty calendar days after the date of the Vendor Agreement (the “Payment Period”), provided, however, that Vendor may elect to receive the Vendor Shares (as defined below) and/or Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants (as defined below) as described below in lieu of the Cash Fee by providing written notice to the Company of such election during the Payment Period (the “Written Notice”). The “Vendor Shares” shall mean a number of Common Stock equal to the Cash Fee divided by $1.45, provided, however, if the issuance of any of the Vendor Shares would cause the Vendor to exceed 4.99% of the of the outstanding Common Stock, as determined in accordance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, then the Company shall instead issue to Vendor pre-funded warrants (the “Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants”) for the purchase of the amount of Vendor Shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, provided, further, that if the Vendor specifies in the Written Notice that the Vendor elects to receive Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of the entire amount of the Vendor Shares, then the Company shall instead issue to Vendor the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase the entire amount of the Vendor Shares. The Vendor delivered the Written Notice to the Company during the Payment Period and the Company issued the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants for the purchase of 2,068,965 shares of Common Stock to Vendor on January 21, 2025.
The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants have an initial exercise price per share of Common Stock equal to $0.01. The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire five (5) years after the issuance date of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants. The exercise price and number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of share dividends, share splits, reorganizations or similar events. The Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of the Vendor, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of Common Stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise). The Vendor (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants to the extent that the Vendor would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the Vendor to us, the Vendor may increase the amount of beneficial ownership of outstanding shares after exercising the Vendor’s Pre-Funded Warrants up to 9.99% of the number of our shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants. In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the Vendor may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the number of shares of Common Stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Vendor Pre-Funded Warrants.
On January 22, 2025, the Company issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $260,000.00 (the “Second Note”) to an accredited investor (“Investor”), pursuant to which the Investor made a loan to the Company. The Second Note carries an original issue discount of $60,000.00, and accordingly the purchase price of the Second Note is $200,000.00. The Second Note matures on April 22, 2025, and contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of any event of default under the Second Note, the Second Note will become immediately due and payable in an amount equal to the outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Second Note plus default interest at the rate of sixteen percent (16%) per annum.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
We have adopted a 2020 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”). An aggregate of 26 shares of our common stock is reserved for issuance and available for awards under the 2020 Plan, including incentive stock options granted under the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan administrator may grant awards to any employee, director, and consultants of the company and its subsidiaries. To date, grants covering 22 shares of common stock have been made under the 2020 Plan and 4 shares remain eligible for issuance under the 2020 Plan.
The 2020 Plan is currently administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board as the Plan administrator. The 2020 Plan administrator has the authority to determine, within the limits of the express provisions of the 2020 Plan, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, the nature, amount and terms of such awards and the objectives and conditions for earning such awards. The Board may at any time amend or terminate the 2020 Plan, provided that no such action may be taken that adversely affects any rights or obligations with respect to any awards previously made under the 2020 Plan without the consent of the recipient. No awards may be made under the 2020 Plan after the tenth anniversary of its effective date.
Awards under the 2020 Plan may include incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock Units, performance share or Unit awards, other stock-based awards and cash-based incentive awards.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. RESERVED

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of the relevant entities and the pro forma financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Unless otherwise indicated by the context, references to “DBG” refer to Digital Brands Group, Inc. solely, and references to the “Company,” “our,” “we,” “us” and similar terms refer to Digital Brands Group, Inc., together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bailey 44, LLC (“Bailey”), MOSBEST, LLC (“Stateside”) and Sunnyside (“Sundry”).
Business Overview
Our Company
Digital Brands Group is a curated collection of lifestyle brands, including Bailey 44, DSTLD, Stateside, Sundry and ACE Studios, that offers a variety of apparel products through direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution. Our complementary brand portfolio provides us with the unique opportunity to cross merchandise our brands. We aim for our customers to wear our brands head to toe and to capture what we call “closet share” by gaining insight into their preferences to create targeted and personalized content specific to their cohort. Operating our brands under one portfolio provides us with the ability to better utilize our technological, human capital and operational capabilities across all brands. As a result, we have been able to realize operational efficiencies and continue to identify additional cost saving opportunities to scale our brands and overall portfolio.
Our portfolio consists of five significant brands that leverage our three channels: our websites, wholesale and license revenue.
● Bailey 44 combines beautiful, luxe fabrics and on-trend designs to create sophisticated ready-to-wear capsules for women on-the-go. Designing for real life, this brand focuses on feeling and comfort rather than how it looks on a runway. Bailey 44 is primarily a wholesale brand, which we are transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● DSTLD offers stylish high-quality garments without the luxury retail markup valuing customer experience over labels. DSTLD is primarily a digital direct-to-consumer brand, to which we recently added select wholesale retailers to generate brand awareness.
● Stateside is an elevated, America first brand with all knitting, dyeing, cutting and sewing sourced and manufactured locally in Los Angeles. The collection is influenced by the evolution of the classic T-shirt offering a simple yet elegant look. Stateside is primarily a wholesale brand that we will be transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● Sundry offers distinct collections of women’s clothing, including dresses, shirts, sweaters, skirts, shorts, athleisure bottoms and other accessory products. Sundry’s products are coastal casual and consist of soft, relaxed and colorful designs that feature a distinct French chic, resembling the spirits of the French Mediterranean and the energy of Venice Beach in Southern California. Sundry is primarily a wholesale brand that we will be transitioning to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand.
● Avo - Avo is a women’s essential brand that will offer t-shirts, sweats, dresses, sweaters and athleisure. Avo eliminates the wholesale mark-up, so its products have a sharper price point. Avo also offers larger discounts when the customer bundles multiple products to their cart, which allows Avo to leverage its shipping and fulfillment costs. Avo leverages the Company’s current design and supply chain infrastructure, so we use similar or the same fabrics and contractors for Avo that we do for our other brands.
We believe that successful apparel brands sell in all revenue channels. However, each channel offers different margin structures and requires different customer acquisition and retention strategies. We were founded as a digital-first retailer that has strategically expanded into select wholesale and direct retail channels. We strive to strategically create omnichannel strategies for each of our brands that blend physical and online channels to engage consumers in the channel of their choosing. Our products are sold direct-to- consumers principally through our websites and our own showrooms, but also through our wholesale channel, primarily in specialty stores and select department stores. With the continued expansion of our wholesale distribution, we believe developing an omnichannel solution further strengthens our ability to efficiently acquire and retain customers while also driving high customer lifetime value.
We believe that by leveraging a physical footprint to acquire customers and increase brand awareness, we can use digital marketing to focus on retention and a very tight, disciplined high value new customer acquisition strategy, especially targeting potential customers lower in the sales funnel. Building a direct relationship with the customer as the customer transacts directly with us allows us to better understand our customer’s preferences and shopping habits. Our substantial experience as a company originally founded as a digitally native-first retailer gives us the ability to strategically review and analyze the customer’s data, including contact information, browsing and shopping cart data, purchase history and style preferences. This in turn has the effect of lowering our inventory risk and cash needs since we can order and replenish product based on the data from our online sales history, replenish specific inventory by size, color and SKU based on real times sales data, and control our mark-down and promotional strategies versus being told what mark downs and promotions we have to offer by the department stores and boutique retailers.
We define “closet share” as the percentage (“share”) of a customer’s clothing units that (“of closet”) she or he owns in her or his closet and the amount of those units that go to the brands that are selling these units. For example, if a customer buys 20 units of clothing a year and the brands that we own represent 10 of those units purchased, then our closet share is 50% of that customer’s closet, or 10 of our branded units divided by 20 units they purchased in entirety. Closet share is a similar concept to the widely used term wallet share, it is just specific to the customer’s closet. The higher our closet share, the higher our revenue as higher closet share suggests the customer is purchasing more of our brands than our competitors.
We have strategically expanded into an omnichannel brand offering these styles and content not only on-line but at selected wholesale and retail storefronts. We believe this approach allows us opportunities to successfully drive Lifetime Value (“LTV”) while increasing new customer growth. We define Lifetime Value or LTV as an estimate of the average revenue that a customer will generate throughout their lifespan as our customer. This value/revenue of a customer helps us determine many economic decisions, such as marketing budgets per marketing channel, retention versus acquisition decisions, unit level economics, profitability and revenue forecasting.
We acquired Bailey in February 2020, Stateside in August 2021 and Sundry in December 2022. We agreed on the consideration that we paid in each acquisition in the course of arm’s length negotiations with the holders of the membership interests in each of Bailey, Stateside and Sundry. In determining and negotiating this consideration, we relied on the experience and judgment of our management and our evaluation of the potential synergies that could be achieved in combining the operations of Bailey, Stateside and Sundry. We did not obtain independent valuations, appraisals or fairness opinions to support the consideration that we paid/agreed to pay.
Avo - Brand Summary
Avo is a women’s essential brand that will offer t-shirts, sweats, dresses, sweaters and athleisure. Avo eliminates the wholesale mark-up, so its products have a sharper price point. Avo also offers larger discounts when the customer bundles multiple products to their cart, which allows Avo to leverage its shipping and fulfillment costs. Avo leverages the Company’s current design and supply chain infrastructure, so we use similar or the same fabrics and contractors for Avo that we do for our other brands.
Avo launched in late August 2024 and prices for t-shirts range from $20 to $50 based on the size of the customer’s bundle. Other product prices will range from $17.50 for tanks to $198 for sweaters with no retail price above $99 if the customer bundles three units or more. If the customer bundles two units then they receive a 40% discount and if they bundle three units or more the customer receives a 60% discount.
Material Trends, Events and Uncertainties
Supply Chain Disruptions
We are subject to global supply chain disruptions, which may include longer lead times for raw fabrics, inbound shipping and longer production times. Supply chain issues have specifically impacted the following for our brands:
● Increased costs in raw materials from fabric prices, which have increased 10% to 100% depending on the fabric, the time of year, and the origin of the fabric, as well as where the fabric is being shipped;
● Increased cost per kilo to ship via sea or air, which has increased from 25% to 300% depending on the time of year and from the country we are shipping from;
● Increased transit time via sea or air, which have increased by two weeks to two months; and
● Increased labor costs for producing the finished goods, which have increased 5% to 25% depending on the country and the labor skill required to produce the goods. We have been able to pass along some of these increased costs and also offset some of these increased costs with higher gross margin online revenue.
Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results vary due to the seasonality of our individual brands, and are historically stronger in the second half of the calendar year.
Substantial Indebtedness
As of December 31, 2024, we had an aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding of approximately $6.5 million.
We believe this is an amount of indebtedness which may be considered significant for a company of our size and current revenue base.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to us. For example, it could:
● make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to the holders of our outstanding debt, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;
● require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to make payments on our debt, which would reduce the availability of our cash flows from operations to fund working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes;
● increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations;
● place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors with proportionately less debt for their size;
● limit our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness or borrow additional funds in the future;
● limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changing conditions in our business; and
● limit our ability to react to competitive pressures or make it difficult for us to carry out capital spending that is necessary or important to our growth strategy.
Any of the foregoing impacts of our substantial indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have $3.5 million in notes outstanding pursuant to our Bailey acquisition. We are currently unable to repay or refinance borrowings so any such action by these lenders could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation.
In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments on our indebtedness or to refinance our obligations under our debt agreements, will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to the financial and business risk factors we face as described in this section, many of which may be beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures or planned growth objectives, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our indebtedness. In the future, our cash flows and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on and principal of our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. In addition, the recent worldwide credit crisis could make it more difficult for us to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all.
In the absence of such operating results and resources, we may be required to dispose of material assets to meet our debt service obligations. We may not be able to consummate those sales, or, if we do, we will not control the timing of the sales or whether the proceeds that we realize will be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due.
Performance Factors
We believe that our future performance will depend on many factors, including the following:
Ability to Increase Our Customer Base in both Online and Traditional Wholesale Distribution Channels
We are currently growing our customer base through both paid and organic online channels, as well as by expanding our presence in a variety of physical retail distribution channels. Online customer acquisitions typically occur at our direct websites for each brand. Our online customer acquisition strategies include paid and unpaid social media, search, display and traditional media. Our products for Bailey, DSTLD and Stateside are also sold through a growing number of physical retail channels, including specialty stores, department stores and online multi-brand platforms.
Ability to Acquire Customers at a Reasonable Cost
We believe an ability to consistently acquire customers at a reasonable cost relative to customer retention rates, contribution margins and projected life-time value will be a key factor affecting future performance. To accomplish this goal, we intend to balance advertising spend between online and offline channels, as well as cross marketing and cross merchandising our portfolio brands and their respective products. We believe the ability to cross merchandise products and cross market brands, will decrease our customer acquisition costs while increasing the customer’s lifetime value and contribution margin. We will also balance marketing spend with advertising focused on creating emotional brand recognition, which we believe will represent a lower percentage of our spend.
Ability to Drive Repeat Purchases and Customer Retention
We accrue substantial economic value and margin expansion from customer cohort retention and repeat purchases of our products on an annual basis. Our revenue growth rate and operating margin expansion will be affected by our customer cohort retention rates and the cohorts annual spend for both existing and newly acquired customers.
Ability to Expand Our Product Lines
Our goal is to expand our product lines over time to increase our growth opportunity. Our customer’s annual spend and brand relevance will be driven by the cadence and success of new product launches.
Ability to Expand Gross Margins
Our overall profitability will be impacted by our ability to expand gross margins through effective sourcing and leveraging buying power of finished goods and shipping costs, as well as pricing power over time.
Ability to Expand Operating Margins
Our ability to expand operating margins will be impacted by our ability to leverage (1) fixed general and administrative costs, (2) variable sales and marketing costs, (3) elimination of redundant costs as we acquire and integrate brands, (4) cross marketing and cross merchandising brands in our portfolio, and (4) drive customer retention and customer lifetime value. Our ability to expand operating margins will result from increasing revenue growth above our operating expense growth, as well as increasing gross margins. For example, we anticipate that our operating expenses will increase substantially in the foreseeable future as we undertake the acquisition and integration of different brands, incur expenses associated with maintaining compliance as a public company, and increased marketing and sales efforts to increase our customer base. While we anticipate that the operating expenses in absolute dollars will increase, we do not anticipate that the operating expenses as a percentage of revenue will increase. We anticipate that the operating expenses as a percentage of revenue will decrease as we eliminate duplicative costs across brands including a reduction in similar labor roles, contracts for technologies and operating systems and creating lower costs from higher purchasing power from shipping expenses to purchase orders of products. This reduction of expenses and lower cost per unit due to purchasing power should create meaningful savings in both dollars and as a percentage of revenue.
As an example, we were able to eliminate several million in expenses within six months of acquiring Bailey. Examples of these savings include eliminating several Bailey teams, which our teams took over.
We merged over half of the technology contracts and operating systems contracts from two brands into one brand contract at significant savings. We also eliminated our office space and rent and moved everyone into the Bailey office space. Finally, we eliminated DSTLD’s third-party logistics company and started using Bailey’s internal logistics. This resulted in an increase in our operating expenses in absolute dollars as there were now two brands versus one brand. However, the operating expenses as a percentage of pre-COVID revenue declined meaningfully and as we increase revenue for each brand, we expect to experience higher margins.
Ability to Create Free Cash Flow
Our goal is to achieve near term free cash flow through cash flow positive acquisitions, elimination of redundant expenses in acquired companies, increasing customer annual spend and lowering customer acquisition costs through cross merchandising across our brand portfolio.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our accounting and reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Business Acquisitions
We record our acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting, under which most of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are initially recorded at their respective fair values and any excess purchase price is reflected as goodwill. We utilize management estimates and, in some instances, independent third-party valuation firms to assist in determining the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and contingent consideration, if any. Such estimates and valuations require us to make significant assumptions, including projections of future events and operating performance.
The fair value of customer relationships, backlog and trade names/trademarks acquired in our acquisitions are determined using various valuation methods, based on a number of significant assumptions.
We determine which assets have finite lives and then determine the estimated useful life of finite assets.
The expected useful life of customer relationships is established as three years, which is the period over which these assets are expected to reasonably contribute to future cash flows. We expect to amortize such customer relationships using the straight-line method.
The estimated fair values are subject to change during the measurement period, which is limited to one year subsequent to the acquisition date.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when performance obligations are satisfied through the transfer of promised goods to our customers. Control transfers upon shipment of product and when the title has been passed to the customers. This includes the transfer of legal title, physical possession, the risks and rewards of ownership, and customer acceptance. We provide the customer the right of return on the product and revenue is adjusted based on an estimate of the expected returns based on historical rates. We consider the sale of products as a single performance obligation. Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities is excluded from revenue and is included in accrued expenses. Revenue is deferred for orders received for which associated shipments have not occurred.
Accounts Receivable and Expected Credit Loss
We carry our accounts receivable at invoiced amounts less allowances for customer credit losses and other deductions to present the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. All receivables are expected to be collected within one year of the consolidated balance sheet. We do not accrue interest on the trade receivables. Management evaluates the ability to collect accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Receivables are determined to be past due based on individual credit terms. An allowance for credit losses is maintained based on the length of time receivables are past due, historical collections, or the status of a customer’s financial position. Receivables are written off in the year deemed uncollectible after efforts to collect the receivables have proven unsuccessful. We do not have any off balance sheet cried exposure related to our customers.
We periodically review accounts receivable, estimate an allowance for bad debts, and simultaneously record the appropriate expense in the statement of operations. Such estimates are based on general economic conditions, the financial conditions of customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. Past due accounts are written off against that allowance only after all collection attempts have been exhausted and the prospects for recovery are remote. Recovering of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received. The Company provides credit to its customers in the normal course of business and has established credit evaluation and monitoring processes to mitigate credit risk.
Goodwill Impairment
We are required to assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually for each reporting unit that carries goodwill. We may elect to first do a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is in excess of its carrying value. If the qualitative assessment concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative assessment is performed. If the fair value is determined to be less than its carrying value, we record goodwill impairment equal to the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Intangible Assets Impairment
We evaluate the carrying amount of intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. We test these assets for recoverability by comparing the net carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated from the use and eventual disposition of that asset or asset group. If the assets are recoverable, an impairment loss does not exist, and no loss is recorded. If the carrying amounts of the assets are not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for any deficiency of the asset or asset group’s fair value compared to their carrying amount. Although we base cash flow forecasts on assumptions that are consistent with plans and estimates we use to manage our business, there is significant judgment in determining the cash flows attributable to these assets, including markets and market share, sales volumes and mix, and working capital changes.
Financial Statement Components
Bailey
Net Revenue
Bailey sells its products directly to customers. Bailey also sells its products indirectly through wholesale channels that include third-party online channels and physical channels such as specialty retailers and department stores. In 2024, Bailey also has entered into a license agreement whereby it earns royalty revenues.
Cost of Net Revenue
Bailey’s cost of net revenue includes the direct cost of purchased and manufactured merchandise; inventory shrinkage; inventory adjustments due to obsolescence including excess and slow-moving inventory and lower of cost and net realizable reserves; duties; and inbound freight. Cost of net revenue also includes direct labor to production activities such as pattern makers, cutters and sewers. Cost of net revenue includes an allocation of overheard costs such as rent, utilities and commercial insurance pertaining to direct inventory activities.
Operating Expenses
Bailey’s operating expenses include all operating costs not included in cost of net revenues and sales and marketing. These costs consist of general and administrative, fulfillment and shipping expense to the customer.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of all payroll and payroll-related expenses, professional fees, insurance, software costs, occupancy expenses related to Bailey’s operations at its headquarters, including utilities, depreciation and amortization, and other costs related to the administration of its business.
Bailey’s fulfillment and shipping expenses include the cost to operate its warehouse including occupancy and labor costs to pick and pack customer orders and any return orders; packaging; and shipping costs to the customer from the warehouse and any returns from the customer to the warehouse.
Sales & Marketing
Bailey’s sales and marketing expense primarily includes digital advertising; photo shoots for wholesale and direct-to-consumer communications, including email, social media and digital advertisements; and commission expenses associated with sales representatives.
Interest Expense
Bailey’s interest expense consists primarily of interest related to its outstanding debt to our senior lender.
DBG
Net Revenue
We sell our products to our customers directly through our website. In those cases, sales, net represents total sales less returns, promotions and discounts.
Cost of Net Revenue
Cost of net revenue include direct cost of purchased merchandise; inventory shrinkage; inventory adjustments due to obsolescence, including excess and slow-moving inventory and lower of cost and net realizable reserves.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses include all operating costs not included in cost of net revenues. These costs consist of general and administrative, sales and marketing, and fulfillment and shipping expense to the customer.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of all payroll and payroll-related expenses, professional fees, insurance, software costs, and expenses related to our operations at our headquarters, including utilities, depreciation and amortization, and other costs related to the administration of our business.
We expect to continue to incur additional expenses as a result of operating as a public company, including costs to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a national securities exchange, costs related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and higher expenses for insurance, investor relations and professional services. We expect these costs will increase our operating costs.
Fulfillment and shipping expenses include the cost to operate our warehouse - or prior to Bailey 44 acquisition, costs paid to our third-party logistics provider - including occupancy and labor costs to pick and pack customer orders and any return orders; packaging; and shipping costs to the customer from the warehouse and any returns from the customer to the warehouse.
In addition, going forward, the amortization of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the acquisitions will be included in operating expenses.
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest related to our debt outstanding to our senior lender, convertible debt, and other interest bearing liabilities.
Stateside
Net Revenue
Stateside sells its products directly to customers. Stateside also sells its products indirectly through wholesale channels that include third-party online channels and physical channels such as specialty retailers and department stores.
Cost of Net Revenue
Stateside’s cost of net revenue includes the direct cost of purchased and manufactured merchandise; inventory shrinkage; inventory adjustments due to obsolescence including excess and slow-moving inventory and lower of cost and net realizable reserves; duties; and inbound freight. Cost of net revenue also includes direct labor to production activities such as pattern makers, cutters and sewers. Cost of net revenue includes an allocation of overheard costs such as rent, utilities and commercial insurance pertaining to direct inventory activities.
Operating Expenses
Stateside’s operating expenses include all operating costs not included in cost of net revenues and sales and marketing. These costs consist of general and administrative, fulfillment and shipping expense to the customer.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of all payroll and payroll-related expenses, professional fees, insurance, software costs, occupancy expenses related to Stateside’s stores and to Stateside’s operations at its headquarters, including utilities, depreciation and amortization, and other costs related to the administration of its business.
Stateside’s fulfillment and shipping expenses include the cost to operate its warehouse including occupancy and labor costs to pick and pack customer orders and any return orders; packaging; and shipping costs to the customer from the warehouse and any returns from the customer to the warehouse.
Sales & Marketing
Stateside’s sales and marketing expense primarily includes digital advertising; photo shoots for wholesale and direct-to-consumer communications, including email, social media and digital advertisements; and commission expenses associated with sales representatives.
Sundry
Net Revenue
Sundry sells its products directly to customers. Sundry also sells its products indirectly through wholesale channels that include third-party online channels and physical channels such as specialty retailers and department stores.
Cost of Net Revenue
Sundry’s cost of net revenue includes the direct cost of purchased and manufactured merchandise; inventory shrinkage; inventory adjustments due to obsolescence including excess and slow-moving inventory and lower of cost and net realizable reserves; duties; and inbound freight. Cost of net revenue also includes direct labor to production activities such as pattern makers, cutters and sewers. Cost of net revenue includes an allocation of overheard costs such as rent, utilities and commercial insurance pertaining to direct inventory activities.
Operating Expenses
Sundry’s operating expenses include all operating costs not included in cost of net revenues and sales and marketing. These costs consist of general and administrative, fulfillment and shipping expense to the customer.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of all payroll and payroll-related expenses, professional fees, insurance, software costs, occupancy expenses related to Sundry’s stores and to Sundry’s operations at its headquarters, including utilities, depreciation and amortization, and other costs related to the administration of its business.
Sundry’s fulfillment and shipping expenses include the cost to operate its warehouse including occupancy and labor costs to pick and pack customer orders and any return orders; packaging; and shipping costs to the customer from the warehouse and any returns from the customer to the warehouse.
Sales and Marketing
Sundry’s sales and marketing expense primarily includes digital advertising; photo shoots for wholesale and direct-to-consumer communications, including email, social media and digital advertisements; and commission expenses associated with sales representatives.
Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2024 compared to year ended December 31, 2023
The following table presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended
December 31,
Net revenues $ 11,555,656 $ 14,916,422
Cost of net revenues 7,911,536 8,372,642
Gross profit 3,644,120 6,543,780
General and administrative 8,652,361 14,299,389
Sales and marketing 2,896,698 4,035,835
Other operating expenses (income) 2,295,843 (9,696,132 )
Operating loss (10,200,782 ) (2,095,312 )
Other expenses (3,024,851 ) (6,221,284 )
Loss before provision for income taxes (13,106,589 ) (8,316,596 )
Provision for income taxes 119,044 (368,034 )
Net loss from continuing operations (13,106,589 ) (8,684,630 )
Loss from discontinued operations - (1,562,503 )
Net loss $ (13,106,589 ) $ (10,247,133 )
Net Revenues
Net revenues decreased by $3.4 million to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $14.9 million in the corresponding fiscal period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a delay in wholesale shipments, and lower ecommerce revenues across each brand due to less digital advertising spend.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit decreased by $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $3.6 million from $6.5 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2023. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales.
Our gross margin was 31.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 43.9% for year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in gross margin was due to corresponding decrease in the ecommerce revenue and write down of sundry’s inventory.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $8.7 million compared to $14.3 million in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower consulting and professional fees, as well as other cost cutting measures across our company, as all brands achieved operational synergies in 2024. These synergies included the elimination of its warehouse, office, fulfillment and redundancies in headcount.
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue was 75% in 2024 as compared to 96% in 2023.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $1.1	million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $2.9 million compared to $4 million in 2023. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to decreased spending on advertising and other cost-cutting marketing efforts.
Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue was 25% in 2024 as compared to 27% in 2023.
Other Operating Expenses (income)
Other operating expenses included distribution expenses, impairment and change in fair value of contingent consideration. Other operating expenses were $2.3 million in 2024 as compared to gain of $9.7 million in 2023, an increase in expenses of $12 million. In 2024, there was $1.3 million in impairment charges on Bailey’s and Stateside’s intangible assets. In 2023, the Company recorded a $10.7 million increase in the change in fair value of contingent consideration pertaining to the Norwest waiver for Bailey and H&J Settlement.
Other Expenses
Other expenses decreased by $3.2 million to $3.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $6.2 million in the corresponding fiscal period in 2023. The decrease in other expenses in 2023 was primarily due to lower interest expense in 2024 compared to 2023.
Net Loss from Continuing Operations
Our net loss from continuing operations increased by $4.5 million to a loss of $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to a loss of $8.7 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2023 primarily due to the impairment and lower gross profit.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Each of DBG, Bailey, Stateside and Sundry has historically satisfied both liquidity needs and funding of operations through borrowings capital raises and internally generated cash flow, Changes in working capital, are driven primarily by levels of business activity. Historically each of DBG, Bailey, Stateside and Sundry has maintained credit line facilities to support such working capital needs and makes repayments on that facility with excess cash flow from operations.
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash of $164,431, but we had a working capital deficit of $16.1 million. The Company requires significant capital to meet its obligations as they become due. Throughout the next twelve months, the Company intends to fund its operations primarily from the funds raised through its operations. The Company may pursue secondary equity offerings or debt financings to provide working capital and satisfy debt obligations. There can be no assurance as to the availability or terms upon which such financing and capital might be available in the future. If the Company is unable to secure additional funding, it may be forced to curtail or suspend its business plans.
In February 2025, the Company completed an offering consisting of the sale of common stock, warrants and pre-funded warrants for gross proceeds of $7,500,000, before deducting placement agent fees and commissions and other offering expenses.
Cash Flow Activities
The following table presents selected captions from our statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended
December 31,
Net cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss $ (13,106,589 ) $ (10,247,133 )
Non-cash adjustments $ 6,621,107 $ 1,364,216
Change in operating assets and liabilities $ 331,144 $ 2,869,975
Net cash used in operating activities $ (6,152,338 ) $ (6,012,644 )
Net cash provided by investing activities $ - $ 88,819
Net cash provided by financing activities $ 6,295,996 $ 4,661,615
Net change in cash $ 143,658 $ (1,262,509 )
Cash Flows Used In Operating Activities
Our cash used in operating activities increased by $0.1 million to $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to cash used of $6 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2023. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily driven by a higher net loss in 2024, partially offset by a increase in non-cash adjustments of $5.4 million and lesser cash provided by changes in our operating assets and liabilities compared to 2023.
Cash Flows provided by Investing Activities
Our cash provided by investing activities was $0 in the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $0.1 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2023.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared of $4.7 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2023. Cash inflows in 2024 included $9.4 million in equity proceeds after offering costs including proceeds from the exercise of warrants, $0.8 million from the issuance of notes, loans and merchant advances, partially offset by note, loan and notes payable repayments of $3.9 million. Cash inflows in 2023 were primarily related to $8.1 million in equity proceeds after offering costs, $1.1 million from exercise of warrants, $5.6 million from convertible notes and loans and advances from factor, partially offset by note repayments and related party advances of $10.3 million.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As of December 31, 2024, we have $6.5 million in outstanding principal on debt, primarily our promissory notes due to the Bailey44 Sellers, the March 2023 Notes, PPP and merchant advances. Aside from our remaining non-current SBA obligations, all outstanding loans have maturity dates through 2025.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Future Commitments
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this item may be found on pages through of this annual report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who serve as our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, respectively, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2024. In making this evaluation, our management considered the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date.
We have initiated various remediation efforts, including the hiring of additional financial personnel/consultants with the appropriate public company and technical accounting expertise and other actions that are more fully described below. As such remediation efforts are still ongoing, we have concluded that the material weaknesses have not been fully remediated. Our remediation efforts to date have included the following:
● We have made an assessment of the basis of accounting, revenue recognition policies and accounting period cutoff procedures. In some cases, we made the necessary adjustments to convert the basis of accounting from cash basis to accrual basis. In all cases we have done the required analytical work to ensure the proper cutoff of the financial position and results of operations for the presented accounting periods.
● We have made an assessment of the current accounting personnel, financial reporting and information system environments and capabilities. Based on our preliminary findings, we have found these resources and systems lacking and have concluded that these resources and systems will need to be supplemented and/or upgraded. We are in the process of identifying a single, unified accounting and reporting system that can be used by the Company and Bailey, with the goal of ensuring consistency and timeliness in reporting, real time access to data while also ensuring ongoing data integrity, backup and cyber security procedures and processes.
● We engaged external consultants with public company and technical accounting experience to facilitate accurate and timely accounting closes and to accurately prepare and review the financial statements and related footnote disclosures. We plan to retain these financial consultants until such time that the internal resources of the Company have been upgraded and the required financial controls have been fully implemented.
● We have made an assessment on significant judgments and estimates, including impairment of long-lived assets and inventory valuation. We plan to take the steps as noted above to have the proper resources to conduct proper analyses on areas requiring judgments and estimates.
The actions that have been taken are subject to continued review, implementation and testing by management, as well as audit committee oversight. While we have implemented a variety of steps to remediate these weaknesses, we cannot assure you that we will be able to fully remediate them, which could impair our ability to accurately and timely meet our public company reporting requirements.
Notwithstanding the assessment that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective and that material weaknesses exist, we believe that we have employed supplementary procedures to ensure that the financial statements contained in this filing fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the reporting periods covered herein in all material respects.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include, but are not limited to, the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Management believes that the material weakness set forth above did not have an effect on our financial results.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table sets forth the names, ages and titles of our directors, director nominees, executive officers and key personnel:
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers and directors as of December 31, 2024.
Name
Age
Position
John Hilburn Davis IV
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Reid Yeoman
Chief Financial Officer
Mark T. Lynn
Director
Trevor Pettennude
Director
Jameeka Aaron
Director
Huong “Lucy” Doan
Director
Board Composition
Our board of directors may establish the authorized number of directors from time to time by resolution. Our Board currently consists of five members.
No current or pending member of our board of directors or Compensation Committee serves as a member of the board of directors or the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.
Executive Officers
John Hilburn Davis IV, “Hil”, has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2019 and a Director since November 2020. He joined DSLTD to overhaul its supply chain in March 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Davis founded two companies, BeautyKind and J.Hilburn. He founded and was CEO of BeautyKind from October 2013 to January 2018. He also founded and was CEO of J.Hilburn from January 2007 to September 2013, growing it from $0 to $55 million in revenues in six years. From 1998 to 2006 Mr. Davis worked as an equity research analyst covering consumer luxury publicly traded companies at Thomas Weisel Partners, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and Citadel Investment Group. He graduated from Rhodes College in 1995 with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. On December 16, 2021, Mr. Davis filed for personal bankruptcy through the filing of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Texas federal court.
Reid Yeoman has served as our Chief Financial Officer since October 2019. Mr. Yeoman is a finance professional with a core Financial Planning & Analysis background at major multi-national Fortune 500 companies - including Nike & Qualcomm. He has a proven track record of driving growth and expanding profitability with retail. From November 2017 to September 2019, Mr. Yeoman served as CFO/ COO at Hurley - a standalone global brand within the Nike portfolio - where he managed the full profit and loss/Balance Sheet, reporting directly to Nike and oversaw the brand’s logistics and operations. He is a native Californian and graduated with an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management in 2013 and a BA from UC Santa Barbara in 2004.
Non-employee Board Members
Mark T. Lynn has been a director of our company since inception and served as our Co-Chief Executive Officer from September 2013 to October 2018. Prior to joining us, until September 2011 he was Co-Founder of WINC, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce company which was then the fastest growing winery in the world, backed by Bessemer Venture Partners. Prior to WINC, Mr. Lynn co-founded a digital payments company that was sold in 2011. He holds a digital marketing certificate from Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Program.
Trevor Pettennude is a seasoned financial services executive. In 2013, Mr. Pettennude became the CEO of 360 Mortgage Group, where he oversees a team of 70 people generating over $1 billion of annual loan volume. He is also the founder and principal of Banctek Solutions, a global merchant service company which was launched in 2009 and which processes over $300 million of volume annually.
Jameeka Green Aaron became a director of our company in May 2021. Ms. Aaron is the Chief Information Security Officer at Auth0. Ms. Aaron is responsible for the holistic security and compliance of Auth0’s platform, products, and corporate environment. Auth0 provides a platform to authenticate, authorize, and secure access for applications, devices, and users. Prior to her current role Ms. Aaron was the Chief Information Officer Westcoast Operations at United Legwear and Apparel. Her 20+ years of experience include serving as the Director of North American Technology and Director of Secure Code and Identity and Access Management at Nike, and as Chief of Staff to the CIO of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Ms. Aaron is also a 9-year veteran of the United States Navy. Ms. Aaron’s dedication to service has extended beyond her military career. She is committed to advancing women and people of color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields she is an alumni of the U.S. State Department’s TechWomen program and the National Urban League of Young Professionals. Ms. Aaron currently sits on the board of the California Women Veterans Leadership Council, is an advisor for U.C. Riverside Design Thinking Program, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Born in Stockton, California, Ms. Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Ms. Aaron’s extensive corporate and leadership experience qualifies her to serve on our board of directors.
Huong “Lucy” Doan is a seasoned finance and strategy executive who brings expertise working with some of the world’s best-known brands. Since 2018, Ms. Doan serves as advisor to CEOs and founders of high-growth DTC, ecommerce and retail brands, in apparel and consumer products. In this capacity, she provides strategic guidance to successfully scale businesses while driving profitability, with focus on operational excellence and capital resource planning. In 2019, she became a board member of Grunt Style, a patriotic apparel brand. Prior, Ms. Doan spent 20 years in senior executive roles at Guitar Center, Herbalife International, Drapers & Damons, and Fox Television, where she built high performance teams to drive execution of business plans and growth strategies.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, each of which operates pursuant to a charter adopted by our board of directors. The board of directors may also establish other committees from time to time to assist our company and the board of directors. The composition and functioning of all of our committees will comply with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and SEC rules and regulations. Each committee’s charter is available on our website at www.digitalbrandsgroup.co. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website.
Board and committee meetings
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Board held 4 meetings and acted by unanimous written consent 4 times. The audit committee held 4 meetings. The compensation committee held 4 meetings and acted by unanimous written consent 4 times. The nominating and corporate governance committee held 4 meetings. During 2024, each director attended more than 75% of the combined meetings of the Board and each committee on which he or she served.
Audit committee
Trevor Pettennude, Jameeka Green Aaron and Huong Doan serve on the audit committee, which is chaired by Huong Doan. Our board of directors has determined that each are “independent” for audit committee purposes as that term is defined by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq, and that each has sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the audit committee. Our Board of directors has designated Huong Doan as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the applicable rules of the SEC. The audit committee’s responsibilities include:
● appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;
● pre-approving auditing and permissible non-audit services, and the terms of such services, to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;
● reviewing the overall audit plan with our independent registered public accounting firm and members of management responsible for preparing our financial statements;
● reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures as well as critical accounting policies and practices used by us;
● coordinating the oversight and reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting;
● establishing policies and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting-related complaints and concerns;
● recommending, based upon the audit committee’s review and discussions with management and our independent registered public accounting firm, whether our audited financial statements shall be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K;
● monitoring the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to our financial statements and accounting matters;
● preparing the audit committee report required by SEC rules to be included in our annual proxy statement;
● reviewing all related person transactions for potential conflict of interest situations and approving all such transactions; and
● reviewing quarterly earnings releases.
Compensation committee
Trevor Pettennude, Jameeka Green Aaron and Huong Doan serve on the compensation committee, which is chaired by Jameeka Green Aaron. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee is “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq rules. The compensation committee’s responsibilities include:
● annually reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer;
● evaluating the performance of our Chief Executive Officer in light of such corporate goals and objectives and based on such evaluation: (i) recommending to the board of directors the cash compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) reviewing and approving grants and awards to our Chief Executive Officer under equity-based plans;
● reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the cash compensation of our other executive officers;
● reviewing and establishing our overall management compensation, philosophy and policy;
● overseeing and administering our compensation and similar plans;
● reviewing and approving the retention or termination of any consulting firm or outside advisor to assist in the evaluation of compensation matters and evaluating and assessing potential and current compensation advisors in accordance with the independence standards identified in the applicable rules;
● retaining and approving the compensation of any compensation advisors;
● reviewing and approving our policies and procedures for the grant of equity-based awards;
● reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the compensation of our directors; and
● preparing the compensation committee report required by SEC rules, if and when required, to be included in our annual proxy statement.
None of the members of our compensation committee has at any time during the prior three years been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.
Nominating and corporate governance committee
Trevor Pettennude, Jameeka Green Aaron and Huong Doan serve on the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is chaired by Huong Doan. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee is “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq rules. The nominating and corporate governance committee’s responsibilities include:
● developing and recommending to the board of directors’ criteria for board and committee membership;
● establishing procedures for identifying and evaluating board of director candidates, including nominees recommended by stockholders; and
● reviewing the composition of the board of directors to ensure that it is composed of members containing the appropriate skills and expertise to advise us.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
There are no legal proceedings that have occurred within the past ten years concerning our directors, or control persons which involved a criminal conviction, a criminal proceeding, an administrative or civil proceeding limiting one’s participation in the securities or banking industries, or a finding of securities or commodities law violations.
On December 16, 2021, Mr. Davis filed for personal bankruptcy through the filing of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Texas federal court. Except for Mr. Davis, none of our directors and officers has been affiliated with any company that has filed for bankruptcy within the last ten years. We are not aware of any proceedings to which any of our officers or directors, or any associate of any such officer or director, is a party adverse to us or any of our or has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
The Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct applies to all of its employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is available on its website at www.digitalbrandsgroup.co. Information contained on or accessible through such website is not a part of this Annual Report, and the inclusion of the website address in this Annual Report is an inactive textual reference only. The Company intends to disclose any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or any waivers of its requirements, on its website to the extent required by the applicable rules and exchange requirements.
Compensation Recovery Policy
In 2023, the Board of Directors approved a new compensation recovery policy (the “Clawback Policy”) in compliance with SEC and then-applicable rules and regulations. The Clawback Policy provides that in the event we are required to prepare an “Accounting Restatement” (as defined in the Clawback Policy), we shall, subject to certain limited exceptions as described in the Clawback Policy, recover certain incentive-based compensation from executive officers who are or have been designated as an “officer” by the Board of Directors in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 16a-1(f). Compensation that shall be recovered under the Clawback Policy generally includes “Incentive-Based Compensation” (as defined in the Clawback Policy) received during the three-year period prior to the “Accounting Restatement Determination Date” (as defined in the Clawback Policy) that exceeds the amount that otherwise would have been received by the “officer” had such compensation been determined based on the restated amounts in the financial restatement. Under the Clawback Policy, “Incentive-Based Compensation” includes any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based, in whole or in part, upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure (as defined in the Clawback Policy).
Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies
We have adopted an insider trading policy that governs the purchase, sale, and/or other transactions of our securities by our directors, officers and employees. A copy of our insider trading policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. In addition, with regard to us trading in our own securities, it is our policy to comply with the federal securities laws and the applicable exchange listing requirements in all respects.
Anti-Hedging Policy
Under the terms of our insider trading policy, we prohibit each officer, director and employee, and each of their family members and controlled entities, from engaging in certain forms of hedging or monetization transactions. Such transactions include those, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts, that would allow them to lock in much of the value of their stock holdings, often in exchange for all or part of the potential for upside appreciation in the stock, and to continue to own the covered securities but without the full risks and rewards of ownership.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s common stock to file with the SEC reports showing initial ownership of and changes in ownership of the Company’s common stock and other registered equity securities. Based solely upon our review of the copies of such forms or written representations from certain reporting persons received by us with respect to fiscal year 2024, the Company believes that its directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of its equity securities have complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements for fiscal year 2024.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
The Board of Directors considers oversight of the Company’s risk management efforts, including enterprise risk management, to be a responsibility of the entire Board (as reported by and through the appropriate committee in the case of risks under the purview of a particular committee). Management regularly updates the full Board on major Company initiatives, strategies, and related risks. At least annually, management reviews with the Board risks to the enterprise and efforts to address them. In addition, presentations are made in the ordinary course at scheduled Board meetings regarding operations, finance, market trends, and the various other risks that face the Company. On an ongoing basis, the various committees of the Board address risk in the areas germane to their scope. For example:
● The nominating and corporate governance committee evaluates Board effectiveness, succession planning, and general corporate best practices;
● The compensation committee oversees the Company’s policies to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees and ties compensation to actual performance, including risks associated with executive compensation; and
● The audit committee provides risk oversight of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate policies and controls, including controls over financial reporting, computerized information systems and cyber security, the independent auditor’s selection, retention, qualifications, objectivity and independence, and the performance of the Company’s internal audit function.
The chairperson of the relevant Board committee reports on the committee’s discussions to the entire Board during the committee reports portion of the applicable Board meeting.
Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors has a Chairman, Mr. Davis. The Chairman has authority, among other things, to preside over Board meetings and set the agenda for Board meetings. Accordingly, the Chairman has substantial ability to shape the work of our Board of Directors. We believe that separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is not necessary at this time to ensure appropriate oversight by the Board of Directors of our business and affairs. However, no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times. The Board of Directors recognizes that depending on the circumstances, other leadership models, such as the appointment of a lead independent director, might be appropriate. Accordingly, the Board of Directors may periodically review its leadership structure. In addition, the Board of Directors will hold executive sessions in which only independent directors are present.
Our Board of Directors is generally responsible for the oversight of corporate risk in its review and deliberations relating to our activities. Our audit committee oversees management of financial risks; our Board of Directors regularly reviews information regarding our cash position, liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. The Board of Directors regularly reviews plans, results and potential risks related to our product development and commercialization efforts. Our compensation committee oversees risk management as it relates to our compensation plans, policies and practices for all employees including executives and directors, particularly whether our compensation programs may create incentives for our employees to take excessive or inappropriate risks which could have a material adverse effect on us.
Executive Sessions of Independent Directors
The independent directors of the Board and each standing committee meet regularly in executive sessions without management present. Stockholders wishing to communicate with the independent directors may contact them by writing to Independent Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Digital Brands Group, Inc., 1400 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. Any such communication will be promptly distributed by our Corporate Secretary to the individual independent director or directors named in the communication in the same manner as described below in “Communications with the Board.”
Communications with the Board
Stockholders and other interested parties can send communications to one or more members of the Board by writing to the Board or specific directors or group of directors at the following address: c/o Corporate Secretary, Digital Brands Group, Inc., 1400 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. Any communication will be promptly distributed by our Corporate Secretary to the individual director or directors named in the communication or to all directors if addressed to the entire Board.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
The summary compensation table below shows certain compensation information for services rendered in all capacities for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Other than as set forth herein, no executive officer’s salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in any of the applicable years. The following information includes the dollar value of base salaries, bonus awards, the number of stock options granted and certain other compensation, if any, whether paid or deferred.
Fiscal
Option Stock
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Awards Awards Total
John “Hil” Davis $ 249,000 (1) $ - $ - $ - $ 249,000
President and Chief Executive Officer $ 249,000 $ - $ - $ - $ 249,000
Reid Yeoman $ 250,000 (2) $ - $ - $ - $ 250,000
Chief Financial Officer $ 250,000 (2) $ - $ - $ - $ 250,000
(1) This amount represents the amount of salary Mr. Davis was entitled to receive under his agreement with the Company. $34,483.85 of such amount has been paid to Mr. Davis.
(2) This amount represents the amount of salary Mr. Yeoman was entitled to receive under his agreement with the Company. Such amount has not yet been paid to Mr. Yeoman.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2024 Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides certain information concerning any common share purchase options, stock awards or equity incentive plan awards held by each of our named executive officers that were outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
Option Awards
Stock Awards
Equity
Equity Incentive
Incentive Plan
Plan Awards:
Awards: Market or
Number Payout
Equity
of Value
Incentive
Market Unearned of
Plan
Number of Value of Shares, Unearned
Awards:
Shares or Shares Units or Shares,
Number of Number of Number of
Units of or Other Units or
Securities Securities Securities
Stock Units of Rights Other
Underlying Underlying Underlying Option
That Have Stock That That Rights That
Unexercised Unexercised Unexercised Exercise Option Not Have Have Have
Options(#) Options(#) Unearned Price Expiration Vested Not Not Not
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Options (#) ($) Date (#) Vested Vested Vested
John “Hil” Davis $ 518,750 May-31 - - - -
Reid Yeoman $ 518,750 May-31
Employment Agreements
In December 2020, we entered into an offer letter with Mr. Davis, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board. The offer letter provides for an annual base salary of $350,000 effective October 1, 2020, and for Mr. Davis to be appointed to our board effective November 30, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, Mr. Davis is also eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of 175%, and with a range from 0% to a maximum of 225%, of his base salary based upon achievement of Company and individual goals. He is also eligible to participate in employee benefit plans that we offer to our other senior executives. In the event of a termination of his employment after June 30, 2021, Mr. Davis is eligible for severance benefits as may be approved by the Board. Mr. Davis is subject to our recoupment, insider trading and other company policies, a perpetual non-disclosure of confidential information covenant, a non-disparagement covenant and a non-solicitation of employees covenant. Mr. Davis’ offer letter also provided for an option grant exercisable for up to 17 shares of our common stock to him at a per share exercise price equal to the IPO price, of which 75% of the options vested on the effective date of the IPO and 25% of the options vest in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Company’s 2020 Stock Plan. Mr. Davis is an at- will employee and does not have a fixed employment term.
In December 2020, we entered into an offer letter with Mr. Yeoman, our Chief Financial Officer. The offer letter provides for an annual base salary of $250,000 effective upon the closing of the IPO. Effective January 1, 2021, Mr. Yeoman is also eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of 50%, and with a range from 0% to a maximum of 75%, of his base salary based upon achievement of Company and individual goals. He is also eligible to participate in employee benefit plans that we offer to our other senior executives.
In the event of a termination of his employment after June 30, 2021, Mr. Yeoman is eligible for severance benefits as may be approved by the Board. Mr. Yeoman is subject to our recoupment, insider trading and other company policies, a perpetual non-disclosure of confidential information covenant, a non- disparagement covenant and a non-solicitation of employees covenant. Mr. Yeoman’s offer letter also provided for an option grant 1 share of our common stock to him at a per share exercise price equal to the IPO price, of which 75% of the options vested on the effective date of the IPO and 25% of the options vest in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Company’s 2020 Stock Plan. Mr. Yeoman is an at-will employee and does not have a fixed employment term.
Compensation of Directors
Our non-employee directors currently do not receive any compensation for their services. Directors who are also our employees do not receive any additional compensation for their service on our board of directors.
Going forward, our board of directors believes that attracting and retaining qualified non-employee directors will be critical to the future value growth and governance of our company. Our board of directors also believes that any compensation package for our non-employee directors should be equity-based to align the interests of these directors with our stockholders. On the effective date of the previous offerings, each of our director nominees was granted options to purchase 400 shares of common stock at a per share exercise price equal to the price of the shares of common stock per the offering. The options will vest over a one year period of time. We may in the future grant additional options to our non-employee directors although there are no current plans to do so.
Incentive Stock Plan
We have adopted a 2020 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”). An aggregate of 26 shares of our common stock is reserved for issuance and available for awards under the 2020 Plan, including incentive stock options granted under the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan administrator may grant awards to any employee, director, and consultants of the company and its subsidiaries. To date, 22 grants have been made under the 2020 Plan and 4 shares remain eligible for issuance under the 2020 Plan.
The 2020 Plan is currently administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board as the Plan administrator. The 2020 Plan administrator has the authority to determine, within the limits of the express provisions of the 2020 Plan, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, the nature, amount and terms of such awards and the objectives and conditions for earning such awards. No awards may be made under the 2020 Plan after the tenth anniversary of its effective date.
Awards under the 2020 Plan may include incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock Units, performance share or Unit awards, other stock-based awards and cash-based incentive awards.
Stock Options
The 2020 Plan administrator may grant to a participant options to purchase our common stock that qualify as incentive stock options for purposes of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (“incentive stock options”), options that do not qualify as incentive stock options (“non-qualified stock options”) or a combination thereof. The terms and conditions of stock option grants, including the quantity, price, vesting periods, and other conditions on exercise will be determined by the 2020 Plan administrator. The exercise price for stock options will be determined by the 2020 Plan administrator in its discretion, but non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of one share of our company’s common stock on the date when the stock option is granted. Additionally, in the case of incentive stock options granted to a holder of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock on the date of grant, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock option is granted. Stock options must be exercised within a period fixed by the 2020 Plan administrator that may not exceed ten years from the date of grant, except that in the case of incentive stock options granted to a holder of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock on the date of grant, the exercise period may not exceed five years. At the 2020 Plan administrator’s discretion, payment for shares of common stock on the exercise of stock options may be made in cash, shares of our common stock held by the participant or in any other form of consideration acceptable to the 2020 Plan administrator (including one or more forms of “cashless” or “net” exercise).
Stock Appreciation Rights
The 2020 Plan administrator may grant to a participant an award of SARs, which entitles the participant to receive, upon its exercise, a payment equal to (i) the excess of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the exercise date over the SAR exercise price, times (ii) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the SAR is exercised. The exercise price for a SAR will be determined by the 2020 Plan administrator in its discretion; provided, however, that in no event shall the exercise price be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Units
The 2020 Plan administrator may award to a participant shares of common stock subject to specified restrictions (“restricted shares”). Restricted shares are subject to forfeiture if the participant does not meet certain conditions such as continued employment over a specified forfeiture period and/or the attainment of specified performance targets over the forfeiture period. The 2020 Plan administrator also may award to a participant Units representing the right to receive shares of common stock in the future subject to the achievement of one or more goals relating to the completion of service by the participant and/or the achievement of performance or other objectives (“restricted Units”). The terms and conditions of restricted share and restricted Unit awards are determined by the 2020 Plan administrator.
Performance Awards
The 2020 Plan administrator may grant performance awards to participants under such terms and conditions as the 2020 Plan administrator deems appropriate. A performance award entitles a participant to receive a payment from us, the amount of which is based upon the attainment of predetermined performance targets over a specified award period. Performance awards may be paid in cash, shares of common stock or a combination thereof, as determined by the 2020 Plan administrator.
Other Stock-Based Awards
The 2020 Plan administrator may grant equity-based or equity-related awards, referred to as “other stock- based awards,” other than options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted Units, or performance awards. The terms and conditions of each other stock-based award will be determined by the 2020 Plan administrator. Payment under any other stock-based awards will be made in common stock or cash, as determined by the 2020 Plan administrator.
Cash-Based Awards
The 2020 Plan administrator may grant cash-based incentive compensation awards, which would include performance-based annual cash incentive compensation to be paid to covered employees. The terms and conditions of each cash-based award will be determined by the 2020 Plan administrator.
Stock Plan
Eligibility and Administration
Our employees, outside directors and consultants are eligible to receive nonstatutory options or the direct award or sale of shares under our 2013 Stock Plan, while only our employees are eligible to receive grants of ISOs under our 2013 Stock Plan. A person who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our outstanding stock, of the outstanding common stock of our parent or subsidiary, is not eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the exercise prices is at least 110% of the fair market value of a share on the grant date and such ISO is not exercisable after five years from the grant date. The 2013 Stock Plan may be administered by a committee of the board of directors, and if no committee is appointed, then the board of directors. The board of directors has the authority to make all determinations and interpretations under, prescribe all forms for use with, and adopt rules for the administration of, the 2013 Stock Plan, subject to its express terms and conditions.
Shares Available and Termination
In the event that shares previously issued under the 2013 Stock Plan are reacquired, such shares will be added to the available shares for issuance under the 2013 Stock Plan. In the event that shares that would have otherwise been issuable under the 2013 Stock Plan were withheld in payment of the purchase price, exercise price, or withholding taxes, such shares will remain available for issuance under the 2013 Stock Plan. In the event that an outstanding option or other right is cancelled or expired, the shares allocable to the unexcised portion of the option or other right will be added to the number of shares available under the 2013 Stock Plan.
The 2013 Stock Plan will terminate automatically 10 years after the later of (i) the date when the board of directors adopted the 2013 Stock Plan or (ii) the date when the board of directors approved the most recent increase in the number of shares reserved under the 2013 Stock Plan that was also approved by our stockholders.
Awards
The 2013 Stock Plan provides for the grant of shares of common stock and options, including ISO intended to qualify under Code Section 422 and nonstatutory options which are not intended to qualify. All awards under the 2013 Stock plan will be det forth in award agreements, which will detail the terms and conditions of the awards, including any applicable vesting and payment terms and post-termination exercise limitations.
Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards Close in Time to the Release of Material Nonpublic Information
We do not have any formal policy that requires us to grant, or avoid granting, stock options at particular times. Consistent with its annual compensation cycle, if options are to be granted, the Compensation Committee generally seeks to grant annual stock option awards after its Annual Report on Form 10-K has been filed. The timing of any stock option grants in connection with new hires, promotions, or other non-routine grants is tied to the event giving rise to the award (such as an employee’s commencement of employment or promotion effective date). As a result, in all cases, the timing of grants of stock options occurs independent of the release of any material nonpublic information, and we do not time the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation.
No stock options were issued to executive officers in 2024 during any period beginning four business days before the filing of a periodic report or current report disclosing material non-public information and ending one business day after the filing or furnishing of such report with the SEC.
No Pension Benefits
We do not maintain any plan that provides for payments or other benefits to its executive officers at, following or in connection with retirement and including, without limitation, any tax-qualified defined benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement plans.
No Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
We do not maintain any defined contribution or other plan that provides for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The table below sets forth information regarding the projected beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 9, 2025 by the following individuals or groups:
● each person or entity who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding stock;
● each of our executive officers;
● each of our directors and director nominees; and
● all of our directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities in question. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock held by them.
Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to a stock option, warrant or convertible note that is currently exercisable or convertible, or is exercisable or convertible within 60 days after the date of determination of ownership, are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the holder of the stock option, warrant or convertible note but are not treated as outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
The applicable percentage ownership in the following table is based on 4,146,494 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 9, 2025. After giving effect to the exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants and excludes as of such date:
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each officer, director and director nominee in the following table is c/o Digital Brands Group, Inc., 1400 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Number of
Shares Percentage of
Beneficially Shares
Name of Beneficial Owner Owned Outstanding
Executive Officers and Directors
John “Hil” Davis 18 (1) *
Reid Yeoman 1 (2) *
Mark Lynn 3 (3) *
Trevor Pettennude 1 (4) *
Jameeka Aaron *
Huong “Lucy” Doan *
All executive officers, directors and director nominees as a group (6 persons) 23 (5) *
* Less than one percent.
(1) Represents options exercisable at $518,750 per share, and 1 share of common stock.
(2) Represents an option to acquire 1 share of common stock, exercisable at $518,750 per share.
(3) Represents options to acquire up to 3 shares of common stock, exercisable between $195,000 and $410,000 per share, and 1 share of common stock.
(4) Represents an option to acquire 1 share of common stock, exercisable at $195,000 per share, and 1 share of common stock.
(5) Represents options to acquire up to 23 shares of common stock.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company made net repayments for amounts due to related parties totaling $11,909 and $130,205, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, amounts due to related parties were $411,921 and $400,012, respectively. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. Amounts due to related parties consist of current and former executives, and a board member.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to related parties includes advances from the former officer, Mark Lynn, who also serves as a director, totaling $104,568 and $104,568, respectively, and accrued salary and expense reimbursements of $87,221 and $87,221, respectively, to current officers.
In October 2022, the Company received advances from a director, Trevor Pettennude, totaling $325,000. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $190,000 and $175,000, respectively, were outstanding.
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
Our board of directors intends to adopt a written related person policy to set forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy will cover any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we are to be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $100,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person.
Director Independence
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, our board of directors has determined that Trevor Pettennude, Jameeka Aaron, and Huong “Lucy” Doan, do not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The following table provides information regarding the fees billed to us by Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. All fees described below were approved by the Board:
For the Fiscal Years Ended
December 31,
Audit fees (1) $ 423,838 $ 351,099
Audit related fees - -
Tax fees - -
All other fees (2) - 21,160
Total fees $ 423,838 $ 372,259
(1) Audit fees include fees associated with the annual audits of our financial statements, quarterly reviews of our financial statements, and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) Includes audit fees paid for pre-acquisition audits of the Company’s subsidiaries and other targets.
Pre-Approval Policy
Our audit committee is responsible for approving or pre-approving all auditing services (including comfort letters and statutory audits) and all permitted non-audit services by the independent auditor and pre-approve the related fees. Pursuant to its charter, the audit committee delegated to each of its members, acting singly, the authority to pre-approve any audit services if the need for consideration of a pre-approval request arises between regularly scheduled meetings, with such approval presented to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting or as soon as practicable thereafter.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) Financial Statements
For a list of the financial information included herein, see Index to the Financial Statements on page.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or because the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated October 14, 2020 among D. Jones Tailored Collection, LTD and Digital Brands Group (formerly known as Denim.LA, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
2.2
First Amendment to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated December 31, 2020 among D. Jones Tailored Collection, LTD and Digital Brands Group (formerly known as Denim.LA, Inc) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
2.3
Agreement and Plan of Merger with Bailey 44, LLC dated February 12, 2020 among Bailey 44, LLC, Norwest Venture Partners XI, and Norwest Venture Partners XII, LP and Digital Brands Group (formerly known as Denim.LA, Inc) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
2.4
Second Amendment to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement Dated May 10, 2021 among D. Jones Tailored Collection, LTD and Digital Brands Group (formerly known as Denim. LA, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
2.5
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated August 30, 2021, by and between Moise Emquies and Digital Brands Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
2.6
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated January 18, 2022, by and among Moise Emquies, George Levy, Matthieu Leblan and Carol Ann Emquies, Sunnyside, LLC, and George Levy as the Sellers’ representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 20, 2022).
2.7
Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated June 17, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Moise Emquies, George Levy, Matthieu Leblan and Carol Ann Emquies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 23, 2022).
2.8
Second Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated October 13, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Moise Emquies, George Levy, Matthieu Leblan and Carol Ann Emquies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 18, 2022).
3.1
Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
3.2
Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock, dated August 31, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2022).
3.3
Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, dated September 29, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2022).
3.4
Certificate of Correction of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, dated October 3, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2022).
3.5
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Digital Brands Group, Inc. dated October 13, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 18, 2022).
3.6
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Digital Brands Group, Inc. dated October 21, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2022).
3.7
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
3.8
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Digital Brands Group, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
3.9
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Digital Brands Group, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2022).
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
4.2
Warrant Agency Agreement, including Form of Warrant Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2021).
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.3
Representative’s Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2021).
4.4
Form of Lender’s Warrants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
4.5
Form of Promissory Note, dated July 22, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor each Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 27, 2022).
4.6
Form of Warrant, dated July 22, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor each Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 27, 2022).
4.7
Form of Promissory Note, dated July 28, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor the New Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2022).
4.8
Form of Warrant, dated July 28, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor the New Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2022).
4.9
Form of Promissory Notes issued to each of the Sellers, Jenny Murphy and Elodie Crichi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 18, 2022).
4.10
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 30, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Moise Emquies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2021).
4.11
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 27, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Oasis Capital, LLC (Note) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2021).
4.12
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 27, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Oasis Capital, LLC (ELOC) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2021).
4.13
Joinder and Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 2021, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc., Oasis Capital, LLC and FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 6, 2021).
4.14
Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 16, 2021, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc., Oasis Capital, LLC and FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2021).
4.15
Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 8, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and certain Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 12, 2022).
4.16
Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 22, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and certain Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 27, 2022).
4.17
Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 29, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2022).
4.18
Underwriter’s Warrants issued to Alexander Capital L.P. on May 5, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 10, 2022)
4.19
Underwriter’s Warrants issued to Revere Securities, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 10, 2022)
4.20
Form of Class B Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022 (File no. 333-268213)).
4.21
Form of Class C Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022 (File no. 333-268213)).
4.22
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022 (File no. 333-268213)).
4.23
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022 (File no. 333-268213)).
4.24
Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 29, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.25
Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 30, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Moise Emquies, George Levy, Matthieu Leblan and Carol Ann Emquies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
4.26
Form of Common Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023).
4.27
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023).
4.28
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023).
4.29*
Description of Securities.
10.1
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.2#
Form of Option Agreement with each of John “Hil” Davis, Laura Dowling and Reid Yeoman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.3#
Form of Board of Directors Agreement, entered into by each of the Director Nominees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.4#
Consulting Agreement dated as of April 9, 2021 between Alchemy Advisory LLC and Digital Brands Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.5#
Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.6
Promissory Note, dated April 10, 2020, between Digital Brands Group (formally known as Denim.LA, Inc.) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.7
Loan dated June 25, 2020, between Digital Brands Group and The Small Business Administration, an Agency of the U.S. Government (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.8
Promissory Note, dated April 5, 2020, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bailey 44, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.13
Lease Agreement between 850-860 South Los Angeles Street LLC and Bailey 44, LLC, dated April 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.14
Lease Agreement between 850-860 South Los Angeles Street LLC and Bailey 44, LLC, dated April 16, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.15
Lease Agreement among 45th Street, LLC, Sister Sam, LLC and Bailey 44, LLC dated January 17, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.16
Amendment to Lease Agreement among 45th Street, LLC, Sister Sam, LLC and Bailey 44, LLC dated February 20, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.17
Secured Promissory Note to Norwest Venture Partners XI, LP and Norwest Venture Partners XII, LP of Bailey 44, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.18
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 27, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Oasis Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.19
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated August 27, 2021, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor of Oasis Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.20
Equity Purchase Agreement, dated August 27, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Oasis Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.21
Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2021, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc., Oasis Capital, LLC and FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.22
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated October 1, 2021, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor of FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.23
Security Agreement, dated August 27, 2021, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Oasis Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.24
Joinder and Amendment to Security Agreement, dated October 1, 2021, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc., Oasis Capital, LLC and FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.25
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2021, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc., Oasis Capital, LLC and FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.26
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated November 16, 2021, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor of FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.27
Waiver by FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, dated November 16, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.28
Waiver by Oasis Capital, LLC, dated November 16, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333-261865), filed with the SEC on January 6, 2022).
10.29
Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 9, 2022, by among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 12, 2022).
10.30
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 9, 2022, by among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 12, 2022).
10.31
Form of Warrant, dated April 9, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor of the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 12, 2022).
10.32+
Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Future Receipts, dated March 21, 2022, between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Advantage Platform Services Inc. d/b/a Advantage Capital Funding (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333- 264347), filed with the SEC on May 5, 2022).
10.33+
Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Future Receipts, dated March 29, 2022, between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and Advantage Platform Services Inc. d/b/a Advantage Capital Funding (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Reg. No. 333- 264347), filed with the SEC on May 5, 2022).
10.34
First Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated July 28, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and certain Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2022).
10.35
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 29, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the investor thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2022).
10.36
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, by and between Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022 (File no. 333-268213)).
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.37
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated December 29, 2022, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.38
Form of Promissory Note, dated December 29, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor each Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.39
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2023, by and among the Company and the purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023).
10.40
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2023, by and among the Company and the purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023).
10.41
Form of Warrant, dated December 29, 2022, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor each Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.42
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 7, 2023, by and among Digital Brands Group, Inc. and the Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 13, 2023).
10.43
Form of Promissory Note, dated April 7, 2023, by Digital Brands Group, Inc. in favor each Investor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 13, 2023).
14.1*
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.
19.1*
Insider Trading Policy.
21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of Digital Brands Group Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-269463), filed with the SEC on January 30, 2023).
23.1*
Consent of independent registered public accounting firm.
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a)
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a)
32.1**
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2**
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
97.1*
Compensation Recovery Policy.
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith
# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.