Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
May 01, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	Basis of Presentation- The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The balance sheet at January 30, 2021 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2020 Form 10-K.
Fiscal Period, Policy	Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy	During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, as a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows, we performed impairment analyses for our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments at the store-level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of the cash flows of other assets. The carrying amount of the store asset group, primarily made up of operating lease assets, leasehold improvements and fixtures, is considered impaired when the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the expected future cash flows from the asset group. The impairment loss recognized is the excess of the carrying value of the asset or asset group over its fair value (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Fair value at the store level is typically based on projected discounted cash flows over the remaining lease term.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	As a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows due to the temporary closure of all of our stores, the decrease in net sales from our retailer customers and the decrease in the Company's market capitalization due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on macroeconomic conditions, we performed an impairment analysis for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. We calculated the fair value of the reporting units with goodwill primarily based on a discounted cash flow analysis (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Our analysis concluded that the fair value of the First Cost reporting unit within the Brand Portfolio segment did not exceed its carrying value. Accordingly, during the three months ended May 2, 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million for the First Cost reporting unit in the Brand Portfolio segment, resulting in a full impairment.
Inventory, Policy	The U.S. Retail segment inventory is accounted for using the retail inventory method and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories reflects reductions for merchandise marked down with charges to cost of sales. As a result, earnings are negatively impacted as the merchandise is marked down prior to sale. Inventories for the Canada Retail and Brand Portfolio segments are accounted for using moving average cost method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we also monitored excess and obsolete inventories in light of the temporary closure of stores during our peak spring selling season.
Income Tax, Policy	We recorded our income tax expense, income tax receivable, and deferred tax assets and related liabilities based on management’s best estimates. Additionally, we assessed the likelihood of realizing the benefits of our deferred tax assets. Our ability to recover these deferred tax assets depends on several factors, including our ability to project future taxable income. One of the provisions of the CARES Act allows net operating losses generated within tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back up to five years, including years in which the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 35%, as opposed to the current rate of 21%. In evaluating future taxable income, significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. As a result of the losses incurred in fiscal 2020 due to COVID-19, we are in a three-year cumulative loss position as of May 1, 2021, which is significant objective negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as the projection of future taxable income. A valuation allowance has been recognized as a reserve on the total deferred tax asset balance due to the uncertainty of realization of our loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets.
Restructuring Costs, Policy	Restructuring Costs- During the three months ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we incurred restructuring costs, which consisted primarily of severance of $1.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. These costs are included in operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we had accrued severance of $5.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Principles of Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation- The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in U.S. dollars.
Use of Estimates, Policy	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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Certain estimates and assumptions use forecasted financial information based on information reasonably available to us, along with the estimated, but uncertain, future impacts of COVID-19. Significant estimates and assumptions are required as a part of accounting for sales returns allowances, customer allowances and discounts, gift card breakage income, deferred revenue associated with loyalty programs, valuation of inventories, depreciation and amortization, impairments of long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill, lease accounting, income taxes, and self-insurance reserves. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and assumptions, and actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fair Value, Policy	Fair Value- Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows: •Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. •Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable. •Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payables approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of borrowing under our ABL Revolver and our previous senior unsecured revolving credit agreement ("Credit Facility") approximated the carrying value. As of May 1, 2021, the fair value of borrowings under our Term Loan was $250.6 million compared to the carrying value of $240.6 million. The fair value of debt borrowings was estimated based on current interest rates offered for similar instruments (categorized as Level 2).
Deferred Revenue Liabilities, Policy	Deferred Revenue Liabilities- We record deferred revenue liabilities, included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, for remaining obligations we have to our customers.
Earnings Per Share, Policy	Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on net income (loss) and the weighted average of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common shares adjusted for outstanding stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") calculated using the treasury stock method.
Shareholders' Equity, Policy	Shares- Our Class A common shares are listed for trading under the ticker symbol "DBI" on the New York Stock Exchange. There is currently no public market for the Company's Class B common shares, but the Class B common shares can be exchanged for the Company's Class A common shares at the election of the holder on a share for share basis. Holders of Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common shares are entitled to eight votes per share on matters submitted to shareholders for approval.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

May 01, 2021

Basis of Presentation- The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The balance sheet at January 30, 2021 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2020 Form 10-K.

Fiscal Period, Policy

Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, as a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows, we performed impairment analyses for our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments at the store-level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of the cash flows of other assets. The carrying amount of the store asset group, primarily made up of operating lease assets, leasehold improvements and fixtures, is considered impaired when the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the expected future cash flows from the asset group. The impairment loss recognized is the excess of the carrying value of the asset or asset group over its fair value (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Fair value at the store level is typically based on projected discounted cash flows over the remaining lease term.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy

As a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows due to the temporary closure of all of our stores, the decrease in net sales from our retailer customers and the decrease in the Company's market capitalization due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on macroeconomic conditions, we performed an impairment analysis for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. We calculated the fair value of the reporting units with goodwill primarily based on a discounted cash flow analysis (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Our analysis concluded that the fair value of the First Cost reporting unit within the Brand Portfolio segment did not exceed its carrying value. Accordingly, during the three months ended May 2, 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million for the First Cost reporting unit in the Brand Portfolio segment, resulting in a full impairment.

Inventory, Policy

The U.S. Retail segment inventory is accounted for using the retail inventory method and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories reflects reductions for merchandise marked down with charges to cost of sales. As a result, earnings are negatively impacted as the merchandise is marked down prior to sale. Inventories for the Canada Retail and Brand Portfolio segments are accounted for using moving average cost method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we also monitored excess and obsolete inventories in light of the temporary closure of stores during our peak spring selling season.

Income Tax, Policy

We recorded our income tax expense, income tax receivable, and deferred tax assets and related liabilities based on management’s best estimates. Additionally, we assessed the likelihood of realizing the benefits of our deferred tax assets. Our ability to recover these deferred tax assets depends on several factors, including our ability to project future taxable income. One of the provisions of the CARES Act allows net operating losses generated within tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back up to five years, including years in which the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 35%, as opposed to the current rate of 21%. In evaluating future taxable income, significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. As a result of the losses incurred in fiscal 2020 due to COVID-19, we are in a three-year cumulative loss position as of May 1, 2021, which is significant objective negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as the projection of future taxable income. A valuation allowance has been recognized as a reserve on the total deferred tax asset balance due to the uncertainty of realization of our loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets.

Restructuring Costs, Policy

Restructuring Costs- During the three months ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we incurred restructuring costs, which consisted primarily of severance of $1.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. These costs are included in operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we had accrued severance of $5.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Principles of Consolidation, Policy

Principles of Consolidation- The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in U.S. dollars.

Use of Estimates, Policy

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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Certain estimates and assumptions use forecasted financial information based on information reasonably available to us, along with the estimated, but uncertain, future impacts of COVID-19. Significant estimates and assumptions are required as a part of accounting for sales returns allowances, customer allowances and discounts, gift card breakage income, deferred revenue associated with loyalty programs, valuation of inventories, depreciation and amortization, impairments of long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill, lease accounting, income taxes, and self-insurance reserves. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and assumptions, and actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value, Policy

Fair Value- Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows:

•Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable.

•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payables approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of borrowing under our ABL Revolver and our previous senior unsecured revolving credit agreement ("Credit Facility") approximated the carrying value. As of May 1, 2021, the fair value of borrowings under our Term Loan was $250.6 million compared to the carrying value of $240.6 million. The fair value of debt borrowings was estimated based on current interest rates offered for similar instruments (categorized as Level 2).

Deferred Revenue Liabilities, Policy

Deferred Revenue Liabilities- We record deferred revenue liabilities, included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, for remaining obligations we have to our customers.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on net income (loss) and the weighted average of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common shares adjusted for outstanding stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") calculated using the treasury stock method.

Shareholders' Equity, Policy

Shares- Our Class A common shares are listed for trading under the ticker symbol "DBI" on the New York Stock Exchange. There is currently no public market for the Company's Class B common shares, but the Class B common shares can be exchanged for the Company's Class A common shares at the election of the holder on a share for share basis. Holders of Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common shares are entitled to eight votes per share on matters submitted to shareholders for approval.