Steve Madden interim CEO pleased with 2008 consumer response

Steven Madden, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SHOO) interim CEO Ed Rosenfeld said the apparel and shoe maker is encouraged by the response from consumer’s this year. Rosenfeld made the comments during a Thursday morning conference call.

“We are pleased with the product that is being turned out by Steve and our design teams,” Rosenfeld said. “We continue to position our business to achieve long-term growth.”

Rosenfeld said the firm’s distribution agreement in Asia is off to a “solid start this year.” The partner has opened new stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo and plans to open a new location in Beijing by the middle of June, he said.

“We continue to believe there is tremendous growth potential for our brand in this market, as well as other international markets,” Rosenfeld said.

The company also plans to open two new stores in Manhattan and expand its e-business, the interim chief executive said.

For 2008, Rosenfeld said Steven Madden is maintaining its full-year earnings guidance of between $1.55 and $1.65 per share, excluding one-time charges in the first quarter related to the former CEO’s resignation. Including the charge impact, Steven Madden expects 2008 earnings ranging from $1.39 to $1.49. The firm also expects sales . . .

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