DSW Inc. (DSW) is a branded footwear specialty retailer. As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated 298 DSW stores in 37 states in the United States. The Company separates its merchandise into four categories: women¡¯s footwear, men¡¯s footwear, athletic footwear and accessories. It also offers a complementary assortment of handbags, hosiery and other accessories. The Company¡¯s stores average approximately 23,000 square feet and carry approximately 27,000 pairs of shoes. In addition, it also operates 377 leased shoe departments for four other retailers and sells shoes and accessories through dsw.com. DSW stores and dsw.com also sell handbags and accessories. Its