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Keeping Track of Fashion's Layoffs

From Macy’s to Everlane, the retail industry is bracing for more layoffs as store closures and economic turmoil hurt sales.
An empty Macy's parking lot | Source: Getty Images
By
  • BoF Team

NEW YORK, United States — As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, companies have started layoffs and furloughs to mitigate large losses coming from store and factory closures. Some companies have made permanent cuts, while others have announced measures put in place for weeks or days for hourly workers and corporate employees.

Below, BoF tracks what companies have laid off or furloughed workers.

Macy's Inc: The company stated that it would be putting a majority of its approximately 125,000 employees on furlough. Employees that aren't furloughed and are at a director-level will receive a pay cut.

Kohl's: The retailer is furloughing roughly 85,000 of its approximately 122,000 employees.

Gap Inc: The company, which owns Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, has furloughed 80,000 workers, and will lay off some staff at its San Francisco headquarters.

Ascena Retail Group: The company is furloughing all retail employees and half of its corporate staff. Executive salaries will also be cut in half. As of August 3, 2019 the company employed 53,000 employees.

DSW: The footwear retailer put 80 percent of its workforce on unpaid leave. The company employed about 16,100 workers as of March 2019.

Neiman Marcus Group: The department store announced that from April 5 to April 30 a "large portion" of its 14,000 retail and corporate employees will be furloughed or take temporary pay cuts. The company declined to discuss how many employees would be affected by the measures.

Capri Holdings: The company said its roughly 7,000 retail staff in North America will be furloughed from April 11. It flagged likely layoffs across both its retail and corporate functions. The board will take a pay cut and senior leadership are forgoing salaries.

Under Armour: The sportswear company temporarily laid off roughly 6,700 employees at retail stores and US distribution centres.

J.C. Penney: The retailer announced that it would furlough a majority of hourly workers and corporate employees starting April 2. The company has 90,000 employees worldwide.

Myers: Roughly 10,000 employees from the Australian department store chain will not be paid from March 29 to April 27.

Simon Property: The US mall owner has furloughed roughly 30 percent of its workforce, and has permanently laid off others. Simon employees about 4,500 employees.

Sephora: The beauty retailer laid off over 3,000 employees in the US who worked limited hours.

Nordstrom: The retailer will start furloughing some corporate employees starting April 5 for six weeks.

Brooks Brothers: Executive management, corporate employees and store managers will receive a 10 percent base salary cut while retail workers, including store associates, assistant managers and supervisors, have been put on "non-paid status".

Rent the Runway: The rental company has laid off all retail staff.

Everlane: The clothing basics company has laid off or furloughed roughly 200 workers.

Arcadia Group: The Topshop owner has furloughed all store employees and will furlough most head office employees from April 5. The board and senior leadership team will take a salary cut of between 25 and 50 percent. CEO Ian Grabiner will forego a salary and benefits until further notice.

Urban Outfitters: The company, which operates Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, bridal brand BHLDN and rental subscription service Nuuly, said it will begin furloughing employees on April 1 for 60 days.

L Brands: The company stated that all retail associates and those not supporting e-commerce will be furloughed starting on April 5.

We’re tracking the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the global fashion business. Visit our live blog for everything you need to know.

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