---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001319947-26-000002"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "DBI"
cik: "0001319947"
company_name: "Designer Brands Inc."
filed_at: "2026-01-29T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-16T06:19:15.771637+00:00"
event_type: "litigation"
sentiment: "negative"
materiality_score: 0.85
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Designer Brands obtains TRO against Worldpay to prevent card processing termination

## Summary
- Worldpay attempted to terminate credit/debit card processing agreement effective Feb 2, 2026, citing a financial default; DBI disputes default.
- Ohio court issued TRO on Jan 28, 2026, enjoining Worldpay from terminating until May 31, 2026; court found DBI likely to succeed on breach claim.
- Worldpay is sole processor for ~500 DSW stores and majority of online sales; disruption could materially impact operations.
- Worldpay offered transition services at substantially higher fees; DBI says fees commercially unreasonable and seeks damages.
- DBI is working to identify alternative processing vendors while pursuing injunctive relief.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001319947-26-000002
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: DBI
- cik: 0001319947
- company_name: Designer Brands Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-01-29T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: litigation
- sentiment: negative
- materiality_score: 0.85
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 8.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1319947/000131994726000002/0001319947-26-000002-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1319947/000131994726000002/dbi-20260127.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001319947-26-000002
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001319947-26-000002.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001319947-26-000002.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.