Shoe Carnival, Inc. announced that Cliff Sifford, the company’s Vice Chairman of the Board, will serve as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 24, 2026, following the resignation of former CEO Mark Worden. Worden stepped down as CEO and board member on the same date, creating a leadership transition at a pivotal moment in the retailer’s transformation.
Sifford has been with Shoe Carnival since 1997 and has held multiple senior roles, including two prior stints as CEO. His deep institutional knowledge and experience in executing the company’s “One Banner” strategy—consolidating operations under the higher‑margin Shoe Station brand—position him to guide the retailer through its next growth phase. “As we look to the next chapter in Shoe Carnival’s transformation and growth, we’re excited to welcome Cliff back to the CEO role. The Board believes that Cliff’s proven leadership, coupled with his years of experience with Shoe Carnival and his vast knowledge of the business, make him the right person to lead Shoe Carnival as we execute our strategic plan,” said Charlie Tomm, Lead Independent Director.
Shoe Carnival’s preliminary fiscal 2025 results showed diluted earnings per share of $1.90, a $0.03 beat over consensus expectations. Net sales were reported at $1.135 billion, reflecting the stronger performance of the Shoe Station banner, which is expected to account for over 90 % of the company’s fleet by the end of Fiscal 2028. The EPS beat was driven by disciplined cost management and a favorable mix shift toward the premium Shoe Station stores, which enjoy higher gross margins than the legacy Shoe Carnival banner.
The company’s strategic pivot to a single‑banner model is a core element of its long‑term plan. By focusing on the Shoe Station brand, Shoe Carnival aims to streamline operations, reduce inventory complexity, and capture higher‑margin sales. The announcement also confirmed plans to change the corporate name to Shoe Station Group, Inc., pending shareholder approval in June 2026, underscoring the depth of the transformation.
Analysts have responded positively to the leadership change and the earnings beat, noting that the appointment of an experienced interim CEO provides stability as the company executes its strategic shift. The EPS beat and the company’s debt‑free balance sheet, with over $130 million in cash and marketable securities, reinforce confidence in its ability to fund the transition and sustain growth.
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