Buford, Georgia-based Okabashi, a footwear company, and an Adidas manufacturing partner, has announced a major workforce realignment to respond to unanticipated market conditions.
The reduction in force will impact two-thirds of the workforce, or 142 employees, following the cutback in Adidas/Yeezy products following the Adidas announcement that it was discontinuing its partnership with Ye (Kanye West) following unacceptable anti-Semitic remarks.
According to a company spokesperson, “As of right now, there are not enough orders to keep all employees busy with work. Very regrettably, Okabashi is announcing a layoff of 142 employees effective immediately.” Three likely outcomes for Yeezy merchandise: destroy it, rebrand it, export it
Sales and production of Yeezy branded products have stopped as well as payments to Ye and his companies.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?