AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT BOADRIDERS

Huntington Beach, California-based Boardriders, a multi-brand lifestyle apparel manufacturer targeting the surf and beachwear sectors, has announced a cost-cutting initiative, including renegotiating athlete sponsorships and major layoffs at its Huntington Beach headquarters and distribution center.

Approximately 590 employees will be impacted by the reduction in force, including 474 employees at its distribution center. This follows the layoff of 84 senior executive and management positions in September 2023.

The company was acquired in 2023 by Authentic Brands Group, a no-nonsense turnaround operation specializing in good brand names that have encountered financial difficulties.

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 COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR

Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear, a manufacturer of high-quality outerwear and apparel, has announced a three- to five-percent reduction in force at its Portland headquarters.

Approximately 150 employees will be impacted by the personnel realignment, which will be completed by the end of March 2024.

According to CEO Tim Boyle, “Our overall headcount and personnel expenses have outpaced the growth of our business. Layoffs will be done with respect and thoughtfulness, consistent with our core values while taking the actions required to get back to sustainable growth.”

Boyle said he expects 2024 to be a “challenging year with retailers placing orders cautiously, and economic and geopolitical uncertainty remains high. We are working diligently to maximize sales in this environment while optimizing our product, brand marketing, and marketplace strategies to accelerate growth in 2025 and beyond.”

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 FRUIT OF THE LOOM

Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Fruit of the Loom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway that manufactures clothing, particularly casual wear and underwear, has announced the closure of its Summerville, South Carolina distribution warehouse facility.

The closure will impact 119 employees and is scheduled for March 19, 2024. The closing process will take place over several months and be completed by July 1, 2024.

According to a company spokesperson, “As a global Company operating in a highly competitive marketplace, Fruit of the Loom, Inc., is constantly analyzing its business to ensure we remain as competitive as possible. After an extensive review of our distribution network, the decision was made to close the distribution center in Summerville, South Carolina, in support of a consolidation strategy.”

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?