DBI Designer Brands Inc

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13G

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )*

Designer Brands Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Class A Common Shares, without par value

(Title of Class of Securities)

250565108

(CUSIP Number)

September 12, 2024

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed:

☐ Rule 13d-1(b)

☒ Rule 13d-1(c)

☐ Rule 13d-1(d)

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications:

Kellie L. Bobo, Esq.

Haynes and Boone, LLP

98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 1500

Austin, Texas 78701

(512) 867-8411

Designer Brands Inc. (the “Issuer”)

810 DSW Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43219

This statement is jointly filed by and on behalf of each of Stone House Capital Management, LLC (“Stone House”), SH Capital Partners, L.P. (“Partners”), and Mark Cohen. Partners is the record and direct beneficial owner of the securities covered by this statement. Stone House is the general partner and investment manager of, and may be deemed to beneficially own securities owned by, Partners. Mr. Cohen is the managing member of, and may be deemed to beneficially own securities owned by, Stone House.

Each reporting person declares that neither the filing of this statement nor anything herein shall be construed as an admission that such person is, for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act or any other purpose, the beneficial owner of any securities covered by this statement.

Each reporting person may be deemed to be a member of a group with respect to the issuer or securities of the issuer for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act. Each of the reporting persons declares that neither the filing of this statement nor anything herein shall be construed as an admission that such person is, for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act or any other purpose, (i) acting (or has agreed or is agreeing to act together with any other person) as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of the issuer or otherwise with respect to the issuer or any securities of the issuer or (ii) a member of any group with respect to the issuer or any securities of the issuer.

The address of the principal business office of each of the reporting persons is c/o Stone House Capital Management, LLC, 1019 Kane Concourse, Suite 202, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida 33154.

See Item 4 on the cover page(s) hereto.

Class A Common Shares, without par value par value (“Common Stock”)

250565108

If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution: _______________

If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following ☐.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under § 240.14a-11.

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT 99.1

JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

September 17, 2024

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder, each party hereto hereby agrees to the joint filing, on behalf of each of them, of any filing required by such party under Section 13 or Section 16 of the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation thereunder (including any amendment, restatement, supplement, and/or exhibit thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (and, if such security is registered on a national securities exchange, also with the exchange), and further agrees to the filing, furnishing, and/or incorporation by reference of this agreement as an exhibit thereto. This agreement shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by any party hereto in a signed writing provided to each other party hereto, and then only with respect to such revoking party.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto, being duly authorized, has caused this agreement to be executed and effective as of the date first written above.