While job cuts dominated headlines in the years following the post-pandemic spending boom, 2024 seemingly saw a slowdown in the number of footwear and retail companies implementing cost-cutting layoffs.

Looking closer at the U.S. Department of Labor’s most recent jobs report in November, the overall economy created 227,000 jobs last month, while unemployment remained at 4.2 percent is in the same low range of the past seven months.

Even still, some companies were not as fortunate this year, having to resort to saving their bottom lines by cutting staff. As we look back on the year, here are the 9 biggest footwear and retail layoffs of 2024.

Canada Goose

In March, Canada Goose said it was cutting approximately 17 percent of its corporate workforce as the company advances its transformation program.

The move came after the Toronto-based outdoor brand said it conducted a “comprehensive review” of its organizational structure and roles needed to achieve strategic objectives. The company said that the cuts are anticipated to yield immediate cost savings, simplify organizational structure, accelerate decision making and increase efficiencies across its operating platform.

Converse

In May, Converse said it “is realigning some of our teams and optimizing the way we work in support of our biggest growth opportunities.” The company also said at the time that it “is continually taking steps to support our future growth.”

The job cuts are part of Nike’s previously announced layoffs amid a general plan to “streamline” the organization and save up to $2 billion in costs over the next three years, the company said in December 2023. At the time, Nike alluded to layoffs and said it could soon face employee severance costs as it rolled out the strategic plan.

Geox

In September, Geox confirmed that it was winding down its U.S. operations – including closing its New York City office and cutting staff.

Enrico Mistron, who joined Geox as chief executive officer in March, confirmed the news to FN in a statement. “We confirm the closure of the NYC office,” Mistron said at the time. “In fact, we are reviewing our business model in the USA, and we will give you visibility in a few months.”

In addition to his statement, a company representative added that Geox “continues to serve” its clients through its partners and digital channels.

According to the Italian footwear company’s half-year financial report, Geox had 122 employees in North America as well as 11 owned stores in the region as of June 30, 2024. It’s unclear how many of those associates have been affected by the closure. The company has declined to give further details.

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