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COLUMBUS , Ohio , May 26 , 2021 - Designer Brands Inc. ( NYSE : DBI ) ( the " Company " and " Designer Brands " ) , one of North America's largest designers , producers and retailers of footwear and accessories , announced financial results for the three months ended May 1 , 2021 , compared to the three months ended May 2 , 2020 . Designer Brands Inc. Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results Returned to profitability for the first time since the onset of COVID - 19 Total gross margin rate improved over the rate from the first quarter of fiscal 2019 Athleisure comparable sales in the U.S. Retail segment were up 92 % in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 Roger Rawlins , Chief Executive Officer , stated , " Designer Brands is off to a strong start in fiscal 2021 , highlighted by our return to profitability for the first time since the onset of COVID - 19 and a positive comparable sales increase of 52 % for the first quarter . Our success was driven by green shoots in areas of the business that had been previously affected by the pandemic , synergies from our vertical capabilities coming to life , which allowed us to capitalize on positive trends faster than ever before , and our assortment strategy focused on athleisure , kids and seasonal products . Exhibit 99.1 " We remain focused on leveraging the flexibility of our business model , pivoting our assortment to athleisure to better match the purchasing habits of our customers , enhancing our digital capabilities , and strategically managing costs . Looking forward , we are optimistic that the positive trends will continue as the market recovers . " ● First Quarter Results Net sales increased 45.6 % to $ 703.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the same period last year . Comparable sales increased 52.2 % for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 versus the 42.3 % decrease for the same period last ● year . Gross profit increased to $ 216.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 versus a gross loss of $ 26.5 million last year , and gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 30.7 % as compared to negative 5.5 % last year and 29.7 % for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 .