Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)​

 Registration No. 333-261451​

Digital Brands Group, Inc.

2,500,000 Shares of Common Stock

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus of up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The shares of common stock covered by this prospectus represent shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of our 6.0% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “Convertible Notes”), which were issued in connection with one or more private placement financings, and shares of common stock that may be issuable from time to time in the event that we pay a portion of the interest on the Convertible Notes in kind by increasing the principal amount of the Convertible Notes, and shares of common stock issued to the selling stockholders in respect of certain waivers related to the Convertible Notes and commitments related to the Equity Purchase Agreement. The number of shares actually issued may be less than the amount registered. We are registering the resale of the shares of common stock underlying the Convertible Notes as required by the Registration Rights Agreement that we initially entered into with the selling stockholders on August 27, 2021 (as amended from time to time, the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

Our registration of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus does not mean that the selling stockholders will offer or sell any of the shares. The selling stockholders may offer and sell or otherwise dispose of the shares of common stock described in this prospectus from time to time through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 101 for more information.

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling stockholders of the shares of common stock offered hereby.

The selling stockholders will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any, in connection with the sale of the shares of common stock. We have agreed to pay certain expenses in connection with this registration statement and to indemnify the selling stockholders and certain related persons against certain liabilities. As of the date of this prospectus, no underwriter or other person has been engaged to facilitate the sale of shares of common stock in this prospectus.

Our shares of common stock and warrants are traded on the NasdaqCM under the symbols “DBGI” and “DBGIW,” respectively. On December 15, 2021, the closing sale prices of our common stock and warrants were $2.49 per share and $0.83 per warrant, respectively.

You should consider carefully the risks that we have described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 before deciding whether to invest in our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is January 7, 2022.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

You should read this prospectus carefully before you invest. It contains important information you should consider when making your investment decision. You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.

The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

i

 

1

 

2

 

3

 

​

4

 

5

 

​

6

 

​

7

 

RISK FACTORS

This investment has a high degree of risk. Before you invest you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed and the value of our stock could go down. This means you could lose all or a part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our 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 pro forma combined net loss (giving effect to the acquisitions of each of Bailey, H&J and Stateside) was approximately $24.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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, including the length of time COVID-19 related restrictions impact the business.

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. 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.

If we do not obtain adequate capital funding or improve our financial performance, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

The report of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2020 included herein contains an explanatory paragraph indicating that there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of recurring losses from operations. In addition, we have incurred a net loss in each year since our inception and expect to incur losses in future periods as we continue to increase our expenses in order to grow our business. If we are unable to obtain adequate funding or if we are unable to grow our revenue substantially to achieve and sustain profitability, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Widespread outbreak of an illness or any other public health crisis, including the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, could materially and adversely affect, and has materially and adversely affected, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business has been, and will continue to be, impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic in countries where our suppliers, third-party service providers or consumers are located. These effects include recommendations or mandates from governmental authorities to close businesses, limit travel, avoid large gatherings or to self-quarantine, as well as temporary closures and decreased operations of the facilities of our suppliers, service providers and customers. The impacts on us have included, and in the future could include, but are not limited to:

•

significant uncertainty and turmoil in global economic and financial market conditions causing, among other things: decreased consumer confidence and decreased consumer spending, now and in

​

 

8

 

the mid and long-term. Specifically, COVID has impacted our business in several ways, including store closings, supply chain disruptions and delivery delays, meaningfully lower net revenue, furloughs and layoffs of 52 employees and increased costs to operate our warehouse to ensure a healthy and safe work environment. Approximately 220 boutique stores where we sold our products closed temporarily and permanently in 2020 and into 2021, representing a reduction in approximately 40% of such stores prior to COVID. Additionally, approximately 40 department stores that carried our products have closed as well, representing a reduction of approximately 35% of such stores prior to COVID. We do not anticipate the department stores will open those stores back up, and we do not anticipate a majority of the closed boutique stores will reopen. We also waited to hire a new Creative Director until the summer, once we knew that stores would open back up at some capacity. This delay in hiring a new designer also impacted the first four months of 2021, as her first collection was not offered until recently for a May 2021 shipment to our accounts. We expect to also experience lower order quantities from our accounts throughout 2021 versus pre-COVID levels, but meaningfully higher than 2020;

•

inability to access financing in the credit and capital markets at reasonable rates (or at all) in the event we, or our suppliers find it desirable to do so, increased exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar, and volatility in the availability and prices for commodities and raw materials we use for our products and in our supply chain. Specifically, the pandemic shut down our supply chain for several months in 2020, and delayed deliveries throughout the year;

​

•

inability to meet our consumers’ needs for inventory production and fulfillment due to disruptions in our supply chain and increased costs associated with mitigating the effects of the pandemic caused by, among other things: reduction or loss of workforce due to illness, quarantine or other restrictions or facility closures, scarcity of and/or increased prices for raw materials, scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas, and increased freight and logistics costs, expenses and times; failure of third parties on which we rely, including our suppliers, customers, distributors, service providers and commercial banks, to meet their obligations to us or to timely meet those obligations, or significant disruptions in their ability to do so, which may be caused by their own financial or operational difficulties, including business failure or insolvency and collectability of existing receivables; and

​

•

significant changes in the conditions in markets in which we do business, including quarantines, governmental or regulatory actions, closures or other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities and restrict our employees’ ability to perform necessary business functions, including operations necessary for the design, development, production, distribution, sale, marketing and support of our products. Specifically, we had to furlough and layoff a significant amount of employees to adjust to our lower revenues.

​

Any of these impacts could place limitations on our ability to execute on our business plan and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We continue to monitor the situation and may adjust our current policies and procedures as more information and guidance become available regarding the evolving situation. The impact of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in this “Risk Factors” section, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.

We have no combined operating history, and there are risks associated with our recently closed acquisitions of Stateside, H&L and Bailey that could adversely affect the results of our operations.

We acquired Stateside in August 2021, H&J in May 2021 and Bailey in February 2020, each of which operated independently of DBG prior to its acquisition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to integrate the operations of Stateside, H&J and Bailey successfully or to institute the necessary systems and procedures, including accounting and financial reporting systems, to manage the combined enterprise on a profitable basis and to report the results of operations of the combined entities on a timely basis. In addition, there can be no assurance that our management team will be able to successfully manage the combined entity and effectively implement our operating or growth strategies. The pro forma financial results of Stateside, H&J and Bailey cover periods during which they were not under common control or management and, therefore, may not be indicative of our future financial or operating results. Our success

 

9

 

will depend on management’s ability to integrate Stateside, H&J, Bailey and other companies we may acquire in the future into one organization. Our inability to successfully integrate these companies and to coordinate and integrate certain operational, administrative, financial and information technology systems would have a material adverse effect on our 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, our revenues and operating results will be adversely affected.

One of our principal growth strategies is to increase our revenue through the acquisition of additional businesses within our industry, particularly since there is no assurance that the operations of Stateside, H&J and Bailey alone will be sufficiently profitable to meet our expectations. 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 are not successful, our revenues and operating results may be adversely affected.

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, 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 our 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 may not be able to successfully integrate future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.

If we buy a company or a division of a company, 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;

​

 

10

 

•

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 professional expenses in connection with failed acquisitions. For example, in connection with our Series CF financing, we disclosed that we were planning to acquire a New Jersey based apparel company. On September 10, 2020, we and the acquisition target mutually agreed to terminate the acquisition.

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 results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of asset impairments.

Our results of operations and financial condition could be 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. 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 rapidly and 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, 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

 

11

 

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, engaged customers and influencers. 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 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

 

12

 

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.

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 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.

 

13

 

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 and is expected to continue to impact 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.

 

14

 

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 shortage 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.

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,

 

15

 

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, H&J 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 the business, financial condition and results of operations of H&J and us.

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,

 

16

 

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.

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 November 20, 2021, we had an aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding of approximately $22.8 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.

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.

 

17

 

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.

There is no assurance that even if market conditions are favorable that the representative will waive the standstill provision. In such a case we anticipate to make any required payments under our senior credit facility from cash generated from operations. Our credit agreement contains negative covenants that, subject to significant exceptions limit our ability, among other things to make restricted payments, pledge assets as security, make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, or undergo other fundamental changes. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the credit facility and permit the lender to cease making loans to us. If for whatever reason we have insufficient liquidity to make scheduled payments under our credit facility or to repay such indebtedness by the schedule maturity date, we would seek the consent of our senior lender to modify such terms. Although our senior lender has previously agreed to seven prior modifications of our credit agreement, there is no assurance that it will agree to any such modification and could then declare an event of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under this agreement, the lender could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. We have pledged all of our assets as collateral under our credit facility. If the lender accelerates the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay them and we could experience a material adverse effect on our 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, and a director of our Company, 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

 

18

 

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” and “ACE STUDIOS” and “STATESIDE” 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”, “www.harperandjones.com”, and “www.shopstateside.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.

 

19

 

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.

Our 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.

Risk Factors Related to Our Common Stock

We are required to register additional shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the Equity Purchase Agreement. The sale of such shares could depress the market price of our common stock.

We are required to register additional shares of common stock for issuance in connection with the Equity Purchase Agreement. The sale of these shares into the public market by the selling stockholders could depress the market price of our common stock.

Shares eligible for future sale by our current stockholders may adversely affect our stock price.

The sale of a significant number of shares of our common stock at any particular time could be difficult to achieve at the market prices prevailing immediately before such shares are offered. In addition, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144 or otherwise could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital at that time through the sale of our securities.

We have never paid or declared any dividends on our common stock.

We have never paid or declared any dividends on our common stock. Likewise, we do not anticipate paying, in the near future, dividends or distributions on our common stock or our common stock to be sold in this offering. Any future dividends will be declared at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend, among other things, on our earnings, our financial requirements for future operations and growth, and other facts as we may then deem appropriate.

Our directors have the right to authorize the issuance of shares of our preferred stock and additional shares of our common stock.

Our directors, within the limitations and restrictions contained in our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and without further action by our stockholders, have the authority to issue

 

20

 

shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and to fix the number of shares and the relative rights, conversion rights, voting rights, and terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and any other preferences, special rights and qualifications of any such series. There are currently no shares of preferred stock outstanding. We have no intention of issuing shares of preferred stock at the present time. Any issuance of shares of preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock.

If we issue additional shares of our common stock at a later time, each investor’s ownership interest in our stock would be proportionally reduced. No investor will have any preemptive right to acquire additional shares of our common stock, or any of our other securities.

The elimination of monetary liability against our directors under our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the existence of indemnification rights to our directors, officers and employees may result in substantial expenditures and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers and employees.

Our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions that eliminate the liability of our directors for monetary damages to us and our stockholders. Our bylaws also require us to indemnify our officers and directors. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under our agreements with our directors, officers and employees. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in us incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors, officers and employees, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers and employees for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors, officers and employees, even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.

Anti-takeover provisions may impede the acquisition of our company.

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws have anti-takeover effects and may inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring our company to negotiate with, and to obtain the approval of, our board of directors in connection with such a transaction. As a result, certain of these provisions may discourage a future acquisition of our company, including an acquisition in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares.

You may be unable to sell your common stock at or above your purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to you.

The following factors may add to the volatility in the price of our common stock: actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual operating results; government regulations, announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures; our capital commitments; and additions or departures of our key personnel. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common stock will be at any time, including as to whether our common stock will sustain the current market price, or as to what effect the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.

Volatility in our common stock price may subject us to securities litigation.

The market for our common stock is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management’s attention and resources.

We may need to raise additional capital. If we are unable to raise necessary additional capital, our business may fail or our operating results and our stock price may be materially adversely affected.

We may need to secure adequate funding. If we are unable to obtain adequate funding, we may not be able to successfully develop and market our proposed products and our business will most likely fail. We do

 

21

 

not have commitments for additional financing, other than the Equity Purchase Agreement with Oasis Capital. To secure additional financing, we may need to borrow money or sell more securities, which may reduce the value of our outstanding securities. We may be unable to secure additional financing on favorable terms or at all.

Issuing additional stock, either privately or publicly, would dilute the equity interests of our stockholders. If we borrow more money, we will have to pay interest and may also have to agree to restrictions that limit our operating flexibility. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing, we may have to curtail business operations, which would have a material negative effect on operating results and most likely result in a lower stock price.

An active trading market in our shares and warrants may not be sustained.

Although our shares of common stock and warrants are listed for sale on the NasdaqCM, currently there is only a limited trading market in our shares and warrants. An active trading market in our shares or warrants may not be sustained. Factors such as those discussed in this “Risk Factors” section may have a significant impact upon the market price of the securities to be distributed by us. Many brokerage firms may not be willing to participate in transactions in a security if a low price develops in the trading of the security. Even if a purchaser finds a broker willing to effect a transaction in our securities, the combination of brokerage commissions, state transfer taxes, if any, and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price. Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of our securities as collateral for any loans.

We may incur significant costs to ensure compliance with U.S. corporate governance and accounting requirements.

We may incur significant costs associated with our public company reporting requirements, costs associated with newly applicable corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the SEC. We expect all of these applicable rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time- consuming and costly.

We also expect that these applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these newly applicable rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

We will likely be required to raise additional financing by issuing new securities with terms or rights superior to those of our shares of common stock, which could adversely affect the market price of our shares of common stock.

We will likely require additional financing to fund future operations, including expansion in current and new markets, programming development and acquisition, capital costs and the costs of any necessary implementation of technological innovations or alternative technologies. We may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms, if at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, the percentage ownership of our current stockholders will be reduced, and the holders of the new equity securities may have rights superior to those of the holders of shares of common stock, which could adversely affect the market price and the voting power of shares of our common stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, the holders of these debt securities would similarly have some rights senior to those of the holders of shares of common stock, and the terms of these debt securities could impose restrictions on operations and create a significant interest expense for us.

We may have difficulty raising necessary capital to fund operations as a result of market price volatility for our shares of common stock.

In recent years, the securities markets in the United States have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies have experienced wide fluctuations

 

22

 

that have not necessarily been related to the operations, performances, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. For these reasons, our shares of common stock can also be expected to be subject to volatility resulting from purely market forces over which we will have no control. If our business development plans are successful, we may require additional financing to continue to develop and exploit existing and new technologies and to expand into new markets. The exploitation of our technologies may, therefore, be dependent upon our ability to obtain financing through debt and equity or other means.

 

23

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “seek,” “predict,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “possible,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “forecast,” “future,” “might,” “will,” “could,” would” or “should” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this prospectus and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth strategies, the industry in which we operate and potential acquisitions. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this prospectus.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the stability of the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause our results to vary from expectations include, but are not limited to:

•

the highly fragmented and competitive nature of our industry;

​

•

our ability to successfully locate and acquire companies in the apparel business, to obtain debt financing for that purpose and to successfully integrate them into our business and manage our internal growth;

​

•

loss of any of our executives and managers;

​

•

quarterly variations in our operating results;

​

•

our ability to attract and retain qualified employees while controlling labor costs;

​

•

our ability to manage our working capital to facilitate our inventory management;

​

•

disruptions in the manufacturing and supply chains;

​

•

our ability to adapt our product offerings to changing preferences and consumer tastes;

​

•

our exposure to claims relating to employment violations and workplace injuries;

​

•

our exposure to claims arising from our acquired operations;

​

•

the potential for asset impairments when we acquire businesses;

​

•

disruptions in our information technology systems;

​

•

restrictions imposed on our operations by our credit facility and by other indebtedness we may incur in the future;

​

•

our ability to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and

​

•

additional factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” section.

​

Other sections of this prospectus include additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events described in this prospectus may not occur. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict

 

24

 

all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or acquisition of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

Estimates and forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or to review any estimate and/or forward- looking statement because of new information, future events or other factors. Estimates and forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. As a result of the risks and uncertainties described above, the estimates and forward-looking statements discussed in this prospectus might not occur and our future results and our performance may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the factors mentioned above. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements when making an investment decision.

 

25

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

All securities sold pursuant to this prospectus will be offered and sold by the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock offered by the selling stockholders.

 

26

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently expect to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, general business conditions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, the terms of the credit facility that we entered into concurrently with the IPO may place certain limitations on the amount of cash dividends we can pay, even if no amounts are currently outstanding.

 

27

 

MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

Our common stock and warrants are quoted on the NasdaqCM under the symbols DBGI and DBGIW, respectively. Until May 2021, there was no public market for our common stock or warrants.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported on the NasdaqCM. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.

The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NasdaqCM on December 15, 2021 was $2.49.

Holders

As of December 15, 2021, there were approximately 3,794 stockholders of record of our common stock.

 

28

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 represents the historical financial information of DBG. The statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from the audited financial statements of DBG included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the statements of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2021 from the unaudited financial statements of the Company appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected in any future periods and our results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results that should be expected for any full year.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 represents the historical financial information of DBG and gives effect to the acquisition of Bailey in February 2020, that of H&J in May 2021 and that of Stateside in August 2021. The pro forma adjustments are based on currently available information and certain estimates and assumptions, and, therefore, the actual effects of the offering and the acquisition as reflected in the pro forma data may differ from the effects reflected below. However, management believes that the assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects of the offering and acquisitions as contemplated and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions. During the periods presented, DBG, Bailey, H&J and Stateside were not under common control or management and, therefore, the data presented may not be comparable to, or indicative of, post- acquisition results.

You should review the information below together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information and the related notes beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus, and the audited and unaudited interim financial statements of DBG, Bailey, H&J and Stateside and the related notes all included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

29

 

 

30

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and statement of operations based upon the combined historical financial statements of DBG, Bailey, H&J and Stateside after giving effect to the business combinations and adjustments described in the accompanying notes.

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheets of DBG, Bailey, H&J and Stateside as of September 30, 2021 has been prepared to reflect the effects of the acquisitions as if they occurred on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020 combine the historical results and operations of Bailey, H&J, Stateside and DBG giving effect to the transaction as if it occurred on January 1, 2020.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited and unaudited historical financial statements of each of DBG, Bailey, H&J and Stateside and the notes thereto. Additional information about the basis of presentation of this information is provided in Note 2 below.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information was prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The unaudited pro forma adjustments reflecting the transaction have been prepared in accordance with business combination accounting guidance as provided in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations and reflect the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities based upon the preliminary estimate of fair values, using the assumptions set forth in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined financial information.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the transaction had been completed as of the dates set forth above, nor is it indicative of the future results or financial position of the combined company. In connection with the pro forma financial information, DBG allocated the purchase price using its best estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the pro forma acquisition price adjustments are preliminary and subject to further adjustments as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information also does not give effect to the potential impact of current financial conditions, any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings that may result from the transaction or any integration costs. Furthermore, the unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations do not include certain nonrecurring charges and the related tax effects which result directly from the transaction as described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined financial information.

 

31

 

UNAUDITED PROFORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

 

32

 

UNAUDITED PROFORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

 

33

 

UNAUDITED PROFORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

 

34

 

1.

Description of Transactions

​

Bailey 44

Prior to the merger, Bailey had (a) membership interests consisting of Preferred Units, Common Units and Performance Units (collectively, the “Membership Units”) outstanding and (b) entered into certain Phantom Performance Unit Agreements (the “Phantom Performance Units”). All Preferred Units were held by Norwest Venture Partners XI, LP and Norwest Venture Partners XII, LP (the “Holders”). As a result of the merger, (A) each Preferred Unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger was converted (and when so converted, was automatically cancelled and retired and ceased to exist) in exchange for the right to receive a portion of (i) an aggregate of 20,754,717 newly issued shares of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of DBG (the “Parent Stock”) and (ii) a promissory note in the principal amount of $4,500,000, (B) all other Membership Units other than the Preferred Units as well as all Phantom Performance Units were cancelled and no consideration was delivered in exchange therefor, and (C) Bailey became the wholly-owned subsidiary of DBG. The Articles of Incorporation were amended to authorize the newly issued shares of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of DBG (the “Parent Stock”).

Of the shares of Parent Stock issued in connection with the merger, 16,603,773 shares were delivered on the effective date of the merger (the “Initial Shares”) and 4,150,944 shares were held back solely, and only to the extent necessary, to satisfy any indemnification obligations of Bailey or the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (the “Holdback Shares”).

DBG agreed that if at that date which is one year from the closing date of DBG’s initial public offering, the product of the number of shares of Parent Stock issued under the Merger Agreement multiplied by the sum of the closing price per share of the common stock of DBG on such date as quoted on Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange or other stock exchange or interdealer quotation system, as the case may be, plus Sold Parent Stock Gross Proceeds (as that term is defined in the Merger Agreement) does not exceed the sum of $11,000,000 less the value of any Holdback Shares cancelled further to the indemnification provisions of the Merger Agreement, then DBG shall issue to the Holders pro rata an additional aggregate number of shares of common stock of DBG equal to the valuation shortfall at a per share price equal to the then closing price per share of the common stock of DBG as quoted on the Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange or other stock exchange or interdealer quotation system, as the case may be. Concurrently, DBG will cause an equivalent number of shares of common stock or common stock equivalents held by affiliated stockholders of DBG prior to the date of the Merger Agreement to be cancelled pro rata in proportion to the number of shares of common stock of DBG held by each of them.

In addition, DBG agreed that at all times from the date of the Merger Agreement until the date immediately preceding the effective date of DBG’s initial public offering, in no event will the number of shares of Parent Stock issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement represent less than 9.1% of the outstanding capital stock of DBG on a fully-diluted basis. DBG agreed that in the event that, at any time prior to the date immediately preceding the effective date of DBG’s initial public offering, the shares of Parent Stock issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement represent less than 9.1% of the outstanding capital stock of DBG on a fully-diluted basis, DBG shall promptly issue new certificates evidencing additional shares of Parent Stock to the Holders such that the total number of shares of Parent Stock issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement is not less than 9.1% of DBG’s outstanding capital stock on a fully-diluted basis as of such date.

Harper & Jones

On October 14, 2020, DBG entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with D. Jones Tailored Collection, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (“Seller”), to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests of H&J concurrent with the closing of an initial public offering by DBG (the “Transaction”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Seller, as the holder of all of the outstanding membership interests of H&J, exchanged all of such membership interests for a number of common stock of DBG equal to the lesser of (i) $9.1 million at a per share price equal to the initial public offering price of DBG’s shares offered pursuant to its initial public offering; or (ii) the number of Subject Acquisition Shares; “Subject Acquisition Shares” means the percentage of the aggregate number of shares of DBG’s common stock

 

35

 

issued pursuant to the Agreement, which is the percentage that Subject Seller Dollar Value is in relation to Total Dollar Value. “Subject Seller Dollar Value” means $9.1 million. “Total Dollar Value” means the sum of Existing Holders Dollar Value plus the Bailey Holders Dollar Value plus the aggregate dollar value with respect to all other acquisitions to be completed by DBG concurrently with its initial public offering (including the Subject Seller Dollar Value). “Existing Holders Dollar Value” means $40.0 million. “Bailey Holders Dollar Value” means $11.0 million. In addition, DBG contributed to H&J a $500,000 cash payment that was allocated towards H&J’s debt outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction. Twenty percent of the shares of DBG issued to Seller at the closing was issued into escrow to cover possible indemnification obligations of Seller and post-closing adjustments under the Agreement.

If, at the one year anniversary of the closing date of DBG’s initial public offering, the product of the number of shares of DBG’s common stock issued at the closing of the Transaction multiplied by the average closing price per share of the shares of DBG’s common stock as quoted on the NasdaqCM for the thirty (30) day trading period immediately preceding such date plus Sold Buyer Shares Gross Proceeds does not exceed the sum of $9.1 million less the value of any shares of DBG’s common stock cancelled further to any indemnification claims made against Seller or post-closing adjustments under the Agreement, then DBG shall issue to Seller an additional aggregate number of shares of DBG’s common stock equal to the valuation shortfall at a per share price equal to the then closing price per share of DBG’s common stock as quoted on the NasdaqCM (the “Valuation Shortfall”).

Concurrently, DBG will cause a number of shares of DBG’s common stock or common stock equivalents held by certain of its affiliated stockholders prior to the closing of the Transaction to be cancelled in an equivalent Dollar amount as the Valuation Shortfall on a pro rata basis in proportion to the number of shares of DBG’s common stock or common stock equivalents held by each of them. “Sold Buyer Shares Gross Proceeds” means the aggregate gross proceeds received by Seller from sales of Sold Buyer Shares within the period that is one (1) year from the closing date. “Sold Buyer Shares” means shares of DBG’s common stock issued to Seller further to the Transaction and which are sold by Seller within the period that is one (1) year from the closing of the Transaction.

Stateside

On August 30, 2021, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “MIPA”) with Moise Emquies pursuant to which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of MOSBEST, LLC, a California limited liability company (“Stateside” and such transaction, the “Stateside Acquisition”). Pursuant to the MIPA, Moise Emquies, as the holder of all of the outstanding membership interests of Stateside, exchanged all of such membership interests for $5.0 million in cash and a number of 1,101,538 shares of our common stock (the “Shares”), which number of Shares was calculated in accordance with the terms of the MIPA. Of such amount, $375,000 in cash and a number of Shares equal to $375,000, or 82,615 shares (calculated in accordance with the terms of the MIPA), is held in escrow to secure any working capital adjustments and indemnification claims. The MIPA contains customary representations, warranties and covenants by Moise Emquies.

The Stateside Acquisition closed on August 30, 2021. Upon closing of the Stateside Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated by the MIPA, Stateside became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

In connection with the Stateside acquisition, on August 27, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Oasis Capital further to which Oasis Capital purchased a senior secured convertible note (the “Note”), with an interest rate of 6% per annum, having a face value of $5,265,000 for a total purchase price of $5,000,000, secured by an all assets of the Company.

The Note, in the principal amount of $5,265,000, bears interest at 6% per annum and is due and payable 18 months from the date of issuance, unless sooner converted. The Note is convertible at the option of Oasis Capital into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) which is the lesser of (i) $3.601, and (ii) 90% of the average of the two lowest VWAPs during the five consecutive trading day period preceding the delivery of the notice of conversion. Oasis Capital is not permitted to submit conversion notices in any thirty day period having conversion amounts equaling, in the aggregate, in excess of $500,000. If the Conversion Price set forth in any conversion notice is less than

 

36

 

$3.00 per share, the Company, at its sole option, may elect to pay the applicable conversion amount in cash rather than issue shares of its common stock.

2.

Basis of Presentation

​

The historical financial information has been adjusted to give pro forma effect to events that are (i) directly attributable to the transaction, (ii) factually supportable, and (iii) with respect to the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheets and unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations, expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results.

The transactions were accounted for as a business acquisition whereas Bailey, H&J and Stateside are the accounting acquires and DBG is the accounting acquirer.

3.

Consideration Transferred

​

Bailey 44

Total fair value of the purchase price consideration was determined as follows:

As a result of the acquisition, DBG recorded intangible assets of $8,600,000, including $7,500,000 attributable to brand name and $1,100,000 attributable to customer relationships. DBG recorded $6,479,218 in goodwill representing the remaining excess purchase price of the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following table shows the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for Bailey to the acquired net identifiable assets and pro forma goodwill:

Harper & Jones

Total fair value of the purchase price consideration was determined as follows:

As a result of the acquisition, DBG recorded pro forma intangible assets of $3,936,030, including $2,218,360 attributable to brand name and $1,717,670 attributable to customer relationships. DBG recorded $9,681,548 in goodwill representing the remaining excess purchase price of the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

37

 

The following table shows the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for Bailey to the acquired net identifiable assets and pro forma goodwill:

Stateside

Total fair value of the purchase price consideration was determined as follows:

As a result of the acquisition, DBG recorded intangible assets of $5,939,140, including $2,303,060 attributable to brand name and $3,636,080 attributable to customer relationships. DBG recorded $1,610,265 in goodwill representing the remaining excess purchase price of the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following table shows the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for Stateside to the acquired net identifiable assets and pro forma goodwill:

​

4.

Pro Forma Adjustments

​

(a)

To recognize depreciation on the acquired entities’ property and equipment, and amortization on the intangible assets recorded as a result of the acquisitions.

​

(b)

To record accrued interest on the promissory note pursuant to the Convertible Notes.

​

(c)

To record the Convertible Notes, net of discount.

​

(d)

To reverse H&J and Stateside’s gain on forgiveness of debt as this amount was determined to be non-recurring income.

​

 

38

 

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 prospectus. 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 “Special 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”), Harper & Jones LLC (“H&J”) and MOSBEST, LLC (“Stateside”).

Business Overview

We offer a wide variety of apparel through numerous brands on a both direct-to-consumer and wholesale basis. We have created a business model derived from our founding as a digitally native-first vertical brand. Digital native first brands are brands founded as e-commerce driven businesses, where online sales constitute a meaningful percentage of net sales, although they often subsequently also expand into wholesale or direct retail channels. Unlike typical e-commerce brands, as a digitally native vertical brand we control our own distribution, sourcing products directly from our third-party manufacturers and selling directly to the end consumer. We focus on owning the customer’s “closet share” by leveraging their data and purchase history to create personalized targeted content and looks for that specific customer cohort which includes products across our brands.

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 believe that a successful apparel brand needs to sell in every revenue channel. However, each channel offers different margin structures and requires different customer acquisition and retention strategies. We were founded as a digital-first retailer which has strategically expanded into select wholesale and direct retail channels. We strive to strategically create omnichannel strategies 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, but also through our wholesale channel, primarily in specialty stores and select department stores, and our own showrooms. We currently offer products under the DSTLD, ACE Studios, Bailey 44, Harper & Jones and Stateside brands. Bailey is primarily a wholesale brand, which we have begun to transition to a digital, direct-to-consumer brand. DSTLD is primarily a digital direct-to-consumer brand, to which we recently added select wholesale retailers to create more brand awareness. Harper & Jones is primarily a direct-to-consumer brand using its own showrooms. Stateside is primarily a digital, direct-to-consumer brand. We intend to leverage all three channels (our websites, wholesale and our own stores) for all our brands. Every brand will have a different revenue mix by channel based on optimizing revenue and margin in each channel for each brand, which includes factoring in customer acquisition costs and retention rates by channel and brand.

 

39

 

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 time 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 acquired Bailey in February 2020, H&J in May 2021 and Stateside in August 2021. We agreed on the consideration that we are paying in each acquisition in the course of arm’s length negotiations with the holders of the membership interests in each of Bailey, H&J and Stateside. 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, H&J and Stateside. We did not obtain independent valuations, appraisals or fairness opinions to support the consideration that we agreed to pay.

Material Trends, Events and Uncertainties

COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. As the global spread of COVID-19 continues, DBG remains first and foremost focused on a people-first approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees, customers, trade partners and consumers. To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, DBG has modified its business practices, including in response to legislation, executive orders and guidance from government entities and healthcare authorities. These directives include the temporary closing of offices and retail stores, instituting travel bans and restrictions and implementing health and safety measures including social distancing and quarantines.

The Company’s digital platform remains a high priority through which its brands stay connected with consumer communities while providing experiential content. In accordance with local government guidelines and in consultation with the guidance of global health professionals, DBG has implemented measures designed to ensure the health, safety and well-being of associates employed in its distribution and fulfillment centers. Many of these facilities remain operational and support digital consumer engagement with its brands and to service retail partners as needed.

Our business has been, and will continue to be, impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic in countries where our suppliers, third-party service providers or consumers are located. These effects include recommendations or mandates from governmental authorities to close businesses, limit travel, avoid large gatherings or to self-quarantine, as well as temporary closures and decreased operations of the facilities of our suppliers, service providers and customers. The impacts on us have included, and in the future could include, but are not limited to:

•

significant uncertainty and turmoil in global economic and financial market conditions causing, among other things: decreased consumer confidence and decreased consumer spending, now and in the mid and long-term. Specifically, COVID has impacted our business in several ways, including store closings, supply chain disruptions and delivery delays, meaningfully lower net revenue, furloughs and layoffs of 52 employees and increased costs to operate our warehouse to ensure a healthy and safe work environment. Approximately 220 boutique stores where we sold our products closed temporarily and permanently in 2020 and into 2021, representing a reduction in approximately 40% of such stores prior to COVID. Additionally, approximately 40 department stores that carried our products have closed as well, representing a reduction of approximately 35% of such stores prior to COVID. We do not anticipate the department stores will open those stores back up, and we do not anticipate a majority of the closed boutique stores will reopen. We also waited to hire a new

​

 

40

 

designer until the summer, once we knew that stores would open back up at some capacity. This delay in hiring a new designer also impacted the first four months of 2021, as her first collection was not offered until recently for a May 2021 shipment to our accounts. We expect to also experience lower order quantities from our accounts throughout 2021 versus pre-COVID levels, but meaningfully higher than 2020.

•

inability to access financing in the credit and capital markets at reasonable rates (or at all) in the event we, or our suppliers find it desirable to do so, increased exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar, and volatility in the availability and prices for commodities and raw materials we use for our products and in our supply chain. Specifically, the pandemic shut down our supply chain for several months in 2020, and delayed deliveries throughout the year.

​

•

inability to meet our consumers’ needs for inventory production and fulfillment due to disruptions in our supply chain and increased costs associated with mitigating the effects of the pandemic caused by, among other things: reduction or loss of workforce due to illness, quarantine or other restrictions or facility closures, scarcity of and/or increased prices for raw materials, scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas, and increased freight and logistics costs, expenses and times; failure of third parties on which we rely, including our suppliers, customers, distributors, service providers and commercial banks, to meet their obligations to us or to timely meet those obligations, or significant disruptions in their ability to do so, which may be caused by their own financial or operational difficulties, including business failure or insolvency and collectability of existing receivables; and

​

•

significant changes in the conditions in markets in which we do business, including quarantines, governmental or regulatory actions, closures or other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities and restrict our employees’ ability to perform necessary business functions, including operations necessary for the design, development, production, distribution, sale, marketing and support of our products. Specifically, we had to furlough and layoff a significant amount of employees to adjust to our lower revenues.

​

The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and dynamic in nature, and continues to drive global uncertainty and disruption. As a result, COVID-19 is having a significant negative impact on the Company’s business, including the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows through the third quarter of 2020. While we are not able to determine the ultimate length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect store closures, an anticipated reduction in traffic once stores initially reopen and a highly promotional marketplace will have a significant negative impact on our financial performance for at least the first two quarters of 2021.

DBG has implemented cost controls to reduce discretionary spending to help mitigate the loss of sales and to conserve cash while continuing to support employees. DBG is also assessing its forward inventory purchase commitments to ensure proper matching of supply and demand, which will result in an overall reduction in future commitments. As DBG continues to actively monitor the situation, we may take further actions that affect our operations.

Although the Company has taken several measures to maximize liquidity and flexibility to maintain operations during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental actions in response to the pandemic, and the impact on us and our consumers, customers and suppliers, there is no certainty that the measures we take will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19.

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. However, the second half of 2020 has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Senior Credit Facility

As of December 15, 2021, we owed our senior secured lender approximately $6.0 million that is due on the scheduled maturity date of December 31, 2022. Our credit agreement contains negative covenants that,

 

41

 

subject to significant exceptions limit our ability, among other things to make restricted payments, pledge assets as security, make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, or undergo other fundamental changes. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the credit facility and permit the lender to cease making loans to us. If for whatever reason we have insufficient liquidity to make scheduled payments under our credit facility or to repay such indebtedness by the schedule maturity date, we would seek the consent of our senior lender to modify such terms. Although our senior lender has previously agreed to seven prior modifications of our credit agreement, there is no assurance that it will agree to any such modification and could then declare an event of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under this agreement, the lender could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. We have pledged all of our assets as collateral under our credit facility. If the lender accelerates the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay them and we could experience a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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 and DSTLD are also sold through a growing number of physical retail channels, including specialty stores, department stores and online multi-brand platforms. Our products for Harper & Jones are sold through its own showrooms and its outside sales reps, which can use the showrooms to meet clients.

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

 

42

 

acquire and integrate brands, (4) cross marketing and cross merchandising brands in our portfolio, and (5) 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 the DBG 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 the DBG 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 DBG’s 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

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company 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.

 

43

 

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 the Company’s 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. The Company provides 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. The Company considers 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. ASC 606 has been adopted effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method with no adjustment.

Accounts Receivable

The Company carries its accounts receivable at invoiced amounts less allowances for customer credits, doubtful accounts, and other deductions. The Company does not accrue interest on its 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. A reserve for doubtful accounts 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 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.

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.

 

44

 

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Stock based compensation expense recognized includes the compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted to employees, officers, and directors based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. ASC 718 is also applied to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled during the periods reported. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite vesting period and over the nonemployee’s period of providing goods or services.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is unlikely that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. In accordance with ASC 740-10, for those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, our policy will be to record the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit will be recognized in the financial statements.

Controls and Procedures

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, that company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by that company’s board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In connection with our preparation for this offering, we concluded that, overall, there were material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting at DBG, Bailey and H&J. Historically, both Bailey and H&J were private companies that had not previously been audited and they had maintained a complement of resources with a variety of levels of accounting knowledge, experience, and expertise that is, overall, not commensurate with our prospective financial reporting needs. Collectively, this could prospectively result in difficulties in meeting our internal reporting needs and our external reporting requirements and assessing the appropriate accounting treatment for a variety of events and/or circumstances.

In preparation for this prospectus, we 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 of each of DBG, Bailey and H&J. 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 of each of DBG, Bailey and H&J. Based on our preliminary

​

 

45

 

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 each of DBG, Bailey and H&J, 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 of DBG, Bailey and H&J and related footnote disclosures. We plan to retain these financial consultants until such time that the internal resources of the Company, Bailey and/or H&J have been upgraded and the required financial controls have been fully implemented.

​

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 prospectus fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the reporting periods covered herein in all material respects.

Financial Statement Components

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.

Following the completion of the IPO, we incurred 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. These costs have increased our operating costs.

Fulfillment and shipping expenses include the cost to operate our warehouse — or prior to the 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.

 

46

 

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.

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.

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.

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 stores and 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.

H&J

Net Revenue

H&J sells its products directly to customers through their showrooms and sales reps.

Cost of Net Revenue

H&J’s cost of net revenue sold is associated with procuring fabric and custom tailoring each garment.

Operating Expenses

H&J’s operating expenses include all operating costs not included in cost of net revenue.

 

47

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of all payroll and payroll-related expenses, professional fees, insurance, software costs, occupancy expenses related to H&J’s stores and to H&J’s operations at its headquarters, including utilities, depreciation and amortization, and other costs related to the administration of its business.

H&J’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

H&J’s interest expense consists primarily of interest related to its outstanding debt.

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.

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.

 

48

 

DBG

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Results of Operations

The following table presents our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

Net Revenues

Revenue decreased by $0.9 million to $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $4.5 million in the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. The decrease is primarily due to the full effects of COVID-19 on the operations of Bailey in the winter of 2021, partially offset by the increase in revenue due to the acquisition of H&J in May 2021 and Stateside in August 2021.

Gross Profit

Our gross profit increased by $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 to $1.4 million from $0.6 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. The increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to the margins achieved by H&J and Stateside, as well as significant write-downs to inventory in 2020, partially offset by lower revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Our gross margin was 39.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 13.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in in gross margin was due margins per our H&J and Stateside acquisitions, as well as mark downs to net realizable value of DBG and Bailey’s inventory in the third quarter of 2020

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses increased by $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 to $22.5 million compared to $7.5 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to non-cash charges incurred in 2021 upon the IPO and acquisition of H&J, including stock-based compensation expense of $4.0 million and the change in fair value of contingent consideration of $7.0 million, as well as increased professional fees, marketing costs and investor relations costs. We expect operating expenses to increase in total dollars and as a percentage of revenues as our revenue base increases.

Other Expenses

Other expenses increased by $1.5 million to $2.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $1.2 million in the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. The increase in the other expense was primarily due to interest expense from the April 2021 note which was fully amortized during the second

 

49

 

quarter of 2021, amortization of debt discounts recorded upon debt conversions during the IPO and the change in the fair value of the Company’s derivative liability issued in August 2021.

Net Loss

Our net loss increased by $14.6 million to a loss of $22.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to a loss of $8.1 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020 primarily due to our increased operating expenses, partially offset by a higher gross profit and tax benefit recorded in 2021.

The majority of the increase was primarily due to non-cash charges incurred in 2021 upon the IPO and acquisition of H&J, including stock-based compensation expense of $4.0 million and the change in fair value of contingent consideration of $7.0 million, as well as increased professional fees, marketing costs and investor relations costs.

Cash Flow Activities

The following table presents selected captions from our condensed statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

Cash Flows Used In Operating Activities

Our cash used by operating activities increased by $10.3 million to cash used of $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to cash used of $1.2 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily driven by our higher net loss and less cash provided by changes in our operating assets and liabilities in 2021, partially offset by an increase in non-cash charges.

Cash Flows Provided By Investing Activities

Our cash used in investing activities was $5.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to cash used of $0.1 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. Cash used in 2021 was primarily related to the cash consideration in the H&J and Stateside acquisitions. Cash used during 2020 was primarily related to purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by cash generated due to the acquisition of Bailey and deposits.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to cash provided of $1.5 million for the corresponding fiscal period in 2020. Cash inflows in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were primarily related to $8.6 million in net proceeds from the IPO after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, as well as $1.4 million in net proceeds from the underwriter’s exercise of their over-allotment option. Cash was also generated in 2021 from proceeds from loan payables of $2.6 million, exercises of warrants of $1.8 million and proceeds from convertible notes payable of $5.1 million, partially offset by loan and note repayments of $2.0 million.

 

50

 

Cash inflows in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were primarily related to proceeds from PPP and SBA loans of $1.7 million, proceeds from our Series A-3 and CF preferred stock for $0.7 million and proceeds from venture debt of $0.9 million.

Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019

Results of Operations

The following table presents DBG’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Net Revenue

DBG’s net revenue increased by $2.2 million to $5.2 million for 2020, compared to $3.0 million for 2019. The increase was due to the Bailey 44 acquisition.

Gross Profit

DBG’s gross profit decreased by $0.9 million for 2020 to $0.6 million from $1.4 million for 2019. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to the Bailey 44 acquisition.

DBG’s gross margin decreased by 35.8% to 10.6% for 2020 compared to 46.4% for 2019. The decrease in the gross margin was primarily associated with the acquisition of Bailey 44 due to heavy discounting to sell their aged and current inventory. DBG discounted the Bailey 44 inventory due to lower market demand caused by COVID-19 and our decision to hire a new designer and create a clean break in the product collections.

Operating Expense

DBG’s operating expenses increased by $3.5 million for 2020 to $9.7 million compared to $6.3 million for 2019. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the Bailey 44 acquisition. DBG’s operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 21.0% to 185.2% for 2020 compared to 206.2% for 2019. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue was primarily due to cost synergies and significant cost reductions from merging Bailey 44 operations with DBG operations. The cost reductions were driven by eliminating the DBG office and moving into the Bailey 44 office, by eliminating DBG’s third-party fulfillment center and moving it into Bailey 44’s fulfillment operations, and layoffs due to overlapping roles and responsibilities.

Other Income and Interest Expense

DBG’s other expense increased by approximately $0.8 million to $1.6 million for 2020 compared to $0.8 million for 2019. The increase in the other expense was primarily due to interest expense from the Bailey 44 acquisition and an increase in the DBG interest expense year over year.

 

51

 

Net Loss

DBG’s net loss increased by $5.1 million to a loss of $10.7 million for 2020 compared to a loss of $5.7 million for 2019 primarily due to lower gross profit in both dollars and as a percentage of net revenue, an increase in general and administrative expenses and an increase in other expenses in dollars.

Cash Flow Activities

As of December 31, 2020, DBG had a cash balance of $575,986, and working capital of ($18,270,034). The following table presents selected captions from DBG’s condensed statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

During the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, DBG’s sources and uses of cash were as follows:

Cash Flows Used In Operating Activities

DBG’s cash used by operating activities increased by $1.8 million to cash used of $2.1 million for 2020 as compared to cash used in operating activities of $3.9 million for 2019. The increase in cash used by operating activities was primarily driven by an increase of $3.2 million from sell through of inventory, offset by a $0.6 million decline in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities

DBG’s cash generated from investing activities was $205,000 for 2020 as compared to cash generated of $6,700 for 2019. Cash generated during 2020 was primarily related to cash acquired due to business combinations and deposits.

Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities

DBG’s cash provided by financing activities was $2.4 million for 2020 compared to cash provided of $3.3 million for 2019. Cash inflows in 2020 were primarily related to proceeds from a loan payable of $1.7 million, proceeds from convertible notes payable for $1.25 million, and proceeds from venture debt of $1.05 million. Cash inflows in 2019 were primarily related to proceeds to our Series A-3 for $2.5 million, proceeds from venture debt of $500,000 and proceeds from a convertible note of $800,000.

Bailey 44, LLC

Bailey results from January 1, 2020 through February 11, 2020 (pre-acquisition) are not considered material, thus financial information for that period and for the comparative period in 2019 is not provided.

 

52

 

Year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018

Results of Operations

The following table presents the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

Net Revenue

Bailey’s net revenue decreased by $1.9 million to $27.1 million in 2019, compared to $29.0 million in 2018. This decrease was due to a decline of $3.4 million in its wholesale channels, partially offset by an increase of $1.5 million in its direct-to-consumer channel. The decline in its wholesale channels was primarily associated with reduced demand for its products by its wholesale accounts.

Cost of Net Revenue

Bailey’s cost of net revenue decreased by $0.8 million in 2019 to $12.7 million from $13.5 million in 2018. Costs of net revenue increased by 0.4% to 46.7% compared to 46.3%, primarily due to increased raw material and finished garment costs related to imposed trade tariffs associated with the China trade dispute.

Gross Profit

Bailey’s gross profit decreased by $1.1 million in 2019 to $14.4 million from $15.6 million in 2018. Gross margin decreased by 0.4% to 53.3% in 2019 compared to 53.7% in 2018, primarily due to increased promotional activity in direct-to-consumer channels, expanded inventory liquidation events and increases in cost of goods.

General and Administrative Expense

Bailey’s general and administrative expense increased by $1.5 million in 2019 to $14.5 million compared to $13.0 million in 2018 due to expenses related to additional operating expenses related to a new retail store that opened in April 2019. General and administrative expense as a percentage of net revenue increased by 8.6% to 53.6% in 2019 compared to 45.0% in 2018. Bailey expects to lower general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue going forward as a result of a staff reorganization in 2020 that reduced headcount significantly and streamlined and lowered the cost of its processes, systems and third-party service providers. After the acquisition of Bailey, DBG has reorganized Bailey and eliminated significant labor and structural costs including costs associated with closing all three of Bailey’s retail stores.

Sales and Marketing Expense

Bailey’s sales and marketing expense decreased by approximately $200,000 in 2019 to $4.5 million compared to $4.7 million in 2018, and as a percentage of net revenue increased by 0.5% to 16.7% in 2019

 

53

 

compared to 16.2% in 2018, primarily due to the eliminating the services of a digital marketing agency in 2019, offset by higher digital marketing spend in 2019 compared to 2018.

We expect Bailey’s sales and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenue to increase going forward associated with the transition to direct-to-consumer, which should result in higher gross margins as a percentage and in dollars.

Other Income and Interest Expense

Bailey’s other expense decreased by $0.4 million primarily related to a loss on disposal of property and equipment. Interest expense increased $78,000 associated with an increase of $850,000 in a note payable.

Net Income (Loss)

Bailey’s net loss increased by $2.1 million to a loss of $4.8 million for 2019 compared to a net loss of $2.7 million in 2018 primarily due to lower revenue, lower gross profit in both dollars and as a percentage of revenue, an increase in general and administrative expenses and an increase in sales and marketing expenses.

Cash Flow Activities

The following sections discuss Bailey’s cash flow activities:

As of December 31, 2019, Bailey had a cash balance of $358,726 and working capital of ($322,073).

The following table presents selected captions from Bailey’s condensed statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: