Nike Cuts 1,400 Jobs in Second Round of Layoffs This Year

Nike announced a new round of layoffs last week affecting approximately 1,400 employees across the organization, mostly concentrated in its technology department. In a note from COO Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Nike said the layoffs were part of its broader “Win Now” turnaround strategy aiming to reshape its technology team, modernize its Air manufacturing, move some of its Converse Footwear operations and integrate its materials supply chain work into its footwear and apparel supply chain teams. The layoffs affect employees across North America, Asia, and Europe, and represent less than 2 percent of the company’s total global head count.

Total Retail's Take: This latest round of layoffs, concentrated in technology and operations, is part of a broader effort to simplify Nike's organization, accelerate product development, and become “leaner, faster, and more agile” amid sluggish sales and competitive pressure. Nike is prioritizing efficiency, tech consolidation, and speed to market within its turnaround strategy.

As for the larger retail ecosystem, Nike’s layoffs reflect a shift toward cost discipline, automation, and tech-driven restructuring, particularly around AI. Many retailers and brands are cutting jobs to streamline operations, invest in AI and digital capabilities, and adapt to slower growth and changing consumer behavior. Becoming leaner, increasingly automated, and committed to innovation is the path forward for many retailers, including Nike.