AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT VF CORPORATION (02/01/24)

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 — CLOSURE OF VAN’S SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA DISTRIBUTION CENTER

The company has announced plans to close a Van’s Santa Fe Springs, California distribution center, which will result in 255 employee layoffs, including pickers, drivers, leads, supervisors, auditors, and returns specialists, among other positions.

The layoffs are scheduled in two rounds, with the first impacting 207 employees beginning February 23, 2024, and an additional 48 employees beginning March 22, 2024. All layoffs will be completed by May 31, 2024.

Additionally, Vans announced that 42 employees were laid off at its Costa Mesa, California headquarters on January 30, 2024 

The action appears to be driven by pressure from activist investors Los Angeles, California-based Legion Partners Asset Management, and Newport Beach, California-based Engaged Capital.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 — Original Post…

Denver, Coloado-based VF Corporation, a global apparel and footwear company with a portfolio collection of brands, has announced a major companywide reduction in force.

The reduction in force will impact 300 office-based employees with another 300 open positions that will not be filled.

VF President and CEO Steve Rendle notes that the reduction is necessary to “align our people and capabilities with our highest strategic priorities.” And that there will be “no disproportionate impact in any one location, including the HQ in Denver.”

“I recognize that the past few years have been intense. And while the environment will likely continue to be marked by volatility, we have strong momentum in the majority of our businesses. At the same time, we’re working to improve those areas of the business that need attention.”

“Our overriding goal is to drive consistent growth across our full family of brands. Through clear and focused strategies, the passion and capabilities of our people, and the guidance provided by capable leaders, we will drive growth and chart the next chapter for VF.”

Look for the company to embrace the digital transformation that is driving direct-to-consumer sales with negligible platform costs and centralized fullfulment opportunities.

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?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT VICTORIA'S SECRET (01/19/24)

JANUARY 19, 2024 — KETTERING, OHIO CALL CENTER CLOSURE

The company is closing its 90,000-square-foot call center in Kettering, Ohio, and laying off approximately 120 employees, with all separations being completed by on or around August 3, 2024. Many of the call center workers worked remotely from home since the pandemic and the office was no longer practical.

JULY 26, 2022 — Original entry…

Reynoldsburg, Ohio-based Victoria's Secret, a specialty retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections including signature lingerie, casual sleepwear, athleisure, fragrances, and body care products, has announced a major management restructuring following the company's separation from L Brands Inc last year.

The company is attempting to change its image from an elitist, privileged product line for chic women to a more inclusive audience, including women in plus sizes.

The restructuring impacts 160 management employees, most located at the company's Ohio headquarters.

According to chief executive Martin Waters, “Over the last year, we have progressed a thoughtful revolution of our business by redefining the VS brand and rebuilding our strategy for growth. We can now better connect with and represent our millions of customers around the globe. As a result, we have more relevant brand positioning, more compelling merchandise assortments, and a more inclusive culture that celebrates our people. With our brand revolution well underway and gaining momentum, now is the time to reimagine our leadership structure to better align with a shifting consumer landscape and become more efficient as an organization.”

"Today’s announcement of a simplified leadership structure will streamline operations, collapse silos and allow the company to optimize spend in management roles, enabling reinvestment in growth initiatives. The simplification of the organization has led to a reduction of about 160 management roles, or approximately 5% of home office headcount while providing for reinvestment in non-leadership roles focused on executing the company’s strategic initiatives."

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. 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?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT GLOBAL BRANDS GROUP

Kowloon, Hong Kong-based Global Brands Group, a leading manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded fashion apparel, accessories, and footwear, has announced that it has laid off 78 employees and is presently considering the closing of its Greensboro, North Carolina office.

The Greensboro office supports business operations and includes finance, order process management, and IT support.

The decision appears to be driven by a liquidity crisis in which the company is unable to pay vendors who are refusing to ship goods. The company is seeking to “secure adequate financing or consummate an alternative transaction in order to address its liquidity needs and continue full operations as it seeks a buyer or buyers for all or a portion of its business.”

“At this time, it is not possible to determine how successful the company will be in its efforts to sell all or a portion of its business. If the company is not successful in finding a buyer or buyers, it is likely that the NC facility will experience a plant closing, in which case all employees will be terminated. There may also be layoffs if the company finds a buyer or buyers, but if the buyer does not take on all of the company’s remaining workforce, or if the company does accomplish a sale but discovers that financial constraints prevent it from continuing to employ all of the remaining workforce up to the effective date of such a sale.”

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. 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?