Nike Announces Layoffs of Over 1,500 Employees in Comprehensive Restructuring

Nike, the renowned sportswear and apparel company, has announced plans to cut 2% of its workforce, which translates to over 1,500 jobs. This move is part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at better utilizing the company’s capital to invest in growth areas such as running, women’s products, and the iconic Jordan brand.

The decision was not made lightly, as CEO John Donahoe acknowledged that it is a painful reality for those affected. He also admitted that the company is not currently performing at its best and needs to make these changes to regain its competitive edge.

The job cuts will be implemented in two phases, with the first round of layoffs commencing this week and the second round expected to be completed by the end of Nike’s fiscal fourth quarter. However, it’s important to note that these reductions will not impact retail employees at Nike’s stores or warehouse workers.

The restructuring plan aims to save approximately $2 billion over the next three years through various cost-cutting measures. These include simplifying the product assortment, increasing automation and technology use, streamlining the organization, and leveraging Nike’s scale for greater efficiency.

Interestingly, prior to the official announcement of this restructuring plan, Nike had already been silently laying off employees in different divisions. These layoffs were not widely known until now.

The news of these job cuts comes shortly after Oppenheimer downgraded Nike’s stock and lowered its price target. The downgrade was primarily based on concerns over sluggish consumer demand, lack of production innovation, and increased competition. However, CEO John Donahoe reassured employees that were laid off that they would receive comprehensive support services.

Despite these challenges, Nike remains optimistic about its future. The company firmly believes that the restructuring efforts will strengthen its position in the market and allow it to better serve athletes of all types. Nike aims to emerge from this phase stronger and better equipped to shape the future of sport.

In summary, Nike is implementing a restructuring plan that includes cutting over 1,500 jobs in order to invest in growth areas and improve overall performance. The company is confident that these changes will lead to a stronger future and better service for athletes worldwide.