Boot Barn Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings, Exceeds Expectations and Raises Annual Guidance

Boot Barn kicks off fiscal year 2026 with strong financial results, surpassing expectations. During the first quarter, the Irvine-based footwear retailer reported a 19.1% rise in net sales, reaching $504.1 million compared to $423.4 million in the same period last year. Net income for Q1 stood at $53.4 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, up from $38.9 million, or $1.26 per share, a year earlier. These figures exceeded the company's prior guidance, which projected net sales between $483 million and $491 million, indicating a growth rate of 14% to 16%. The revenue boost was driven by the opening of 14 new stores, bringing the total to 473 locations as of June 28, as well as increased same-store sales. John Hazen, who was appointed CEO in May, described the quarterly results as a "strong start" to the fiscal year, citing high-single-digit growth in consolidated same-store sales and successful new store launches as key contributors to the 19% overall revenue increase. He highlighted broad-based demand across various product categories and regions, along with improved gross profit margins by 210 basis points, fueled by merchandise margin expansion and effective expense management, wh...