Boot Barn Surges Past Forecasts with Strong Sales and Online Growth

IRVINE, CA – January 09, 2026 – Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BOOT) delivered a robust holiday quarter, announcing preliminary third-quarter results for fiscal 2026 that significantly surpassed Wall Street expectations. The nation's leading western and workwear retailer reported a powerful 16% year-over-year increase in net sales, fueled by a remarkable surge in its e-commerce business and continued physical store expansion. The strong performance provides the company with considerable momentum heading into its scheduled presentation at the 2026 ICR Conference next week.

Exceeding Wall Street Forecasts

For the third quarter ending December 27, 2025, Boot Barn expects to report net sales of approximately $705.6 million. This figure not only represents a 16.0% increase over the $608.17 million reported in the same period last year but also comfortably beats the consensus analyst forecast of approximately $700 million.

The outperformance was even more pronounced on the bottom line. The company projected net income per diluted share of approximately $2.79. This result handily tops the pre-announcement analyst consensus of $2.56 per share and marks a substantial increase from the $2.43 per diluted share reported in the prior-year period. It is noteworthy that the prior-year results included a one-time net benefit of $6.7 million, or $0.22 per share, related to the resignation of its former CEO. Excluding this benefit from the prior-year comparison highlights an even more impressive underlying growth in profitability.

This quarter's strength represents a significant acceleration and a stark contrast to the challenges faced just two years ago. In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the company saw a 9.7% decline in same-store sales. The preliminary 5.7% consolidated same-store sales growth this quarter demonstrates a powerful turnaround and a resurgence in consumer demand for its products.

The Omnichannel Power Play

Boot Barn’s success story is increasingly one of a finely tuned omnichannel strategy, where its digital presence and physical footprint work in tandem to drive growth. The third-quarter results showcased the power of this dual-engine approach. While many retailers struggle to balance brick-and-mortar investments with online competition, Boot Barn is demonstrating that both can thrive simultaneously.

The most striking figure in the preliminary report was the explosive 19.6% growth in e-commerce same-store sales. This indicates a highly effective digital strategy, from marketing and customer acquisition to a seamless online shopping experience. This digital momentum is a continuation of the 14.4% e-commerce growth seen in the second quarter, proving the company's sustained ability to capture the online consumer.

Simultaneously, the company is aggressively expanding its physical presence. Boot Barn opened 25 new stores during the third quarter, bringing its year-to-date total to 55 and its overall store count to 514 across 49 states. This expansion is not just about planting flags; it's a strategic move to increase market share, enhance brand visibility, and provide customers with the tangible experience of trying on boots and apparel. The steady 3.7% growth in retail store same-store sales, even amidst rapid expansion, suggests that new and existing stores alike are performing well and that the physical retail model remains a core component of its success. This confidence is further underscored by the company's previously stated long-term potential for up to 1,200 stores nationwide.

Riding the Wave of Western Wear

The company’s financial success is fundamentally rooted in a product mix that continues to resonate deeply with a loyal and expanding customer base. The enduring appeal of western and workwear aesthetics, combining both fashion and function, has proven to be a resilient market segment. CEO John Hazen commented on the widespread nature of this success in the company's announcement.

“I am very pleased to report that preliminary third quarter results exceeded our expectations while cycling very strong business in the prior-year period,” Hazen stated. “Consolidated same store sales in the third quarter increased 5.7% with broad-based growth across all geographies and major merchandise categories.”

The report detailed specific areas of strength that powered the quarter. Sales in men’s and ladies’ western boots saw high-single-digit comparable growth, a core category that defines the brand. Perhaps even more impressively, the company’s apparel business outperformed the chain average, led by a mid-teens same-store sales surge in denim. This highlights Boot Barn's successful evolution from a footwear specialist into a comprehensive lifestyle destination. Furthermore, the mid-single-digit positive comp in work boots indicates that the brand's functional, work-related offerings are also performing solidly, diversifying its revenue streams beyond fashion trends.

Margin Expansion and a Strong Start to 2026

Beyond top-line growth, Boot Barn demonstrated significant operational prowess by expanding its profitability. Merchandise margin increased by a healthy 110 basis points compared to the prior-year period. This improvement is crucial as it indicates the company is not just selling more, but is doing so more profitably. Hazen attributed this margin strength to a combination of “buying economies of scale, supply chain efficiencies, and growth in exclusive brand penetration.”

The development of exclusive, private-label brands is a particularly important long-term value driver. These brands offer higher margins by cutting out intermediaries and give the retailer a unique product offering that cannot be found elsewhere, fostering customer loyalty and differentiating it from competitors. The continued growth in this area, coupled with supply chain improvements, positions Boot Barn for sustained profitability.

Looking ahead, the company’s momentum appears to be carrying into the new year. “After another successful holiday quarter, I am pleased to see our fourth quarter off to a strong start as the sales momentum from the third quarter has accelerated into early January,” Hazen noted. This optimistic outlook sets a positive tone for the company's fireside chat at the ICR Conference on January 12. Investors and analysts will be listening closely for further details on these trends and the company's strategic priorities. The company plans to release its official and complete third-quarter results, along with guidance for the fourth quarter, on February 4, 2026.