Finance
Nike to Cut Around 1,400 Jobs in Efficiency Push
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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Nike will eliminate approximately 1,400 positions—under 2% of its workforce—primarily within its global operations in North America, Asia, and Europe as part of a broader efficiency and cost-cutting strategy amid ongoing weak performance and past layoffs.
Struggling Nike will cut around 1,400 jobs in efficiency push
By Nicholas P. Brown
Nike Announces Major Layoffs Amid Ongoing Sales Slump
April 23 (Reuters) - Nike said on Thursday it is laying off about 1,400 global operations employees in an effort to streamline workflows as the struggling sportswear company fights through a years-long sales slump.
Details of the Layoffs
In a memo to employees on Thursday, Chief Operating Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy said Nike would reduce headcount mainly in North America and Europe, and mainly on its technology team. The layoffs account for a little less than 2% of Nike's global workforce.
Impact on Workforce and Regions
Nike shares have lost more than half their value in the last three years, as nimbler competitors such as On, Hoka and Anta have won more shelf space. CEO Elliott Hill, who took the helm in 2024, has vowed to re-center the Nike brand on core sports such as running and soccer, and bring new and innovative shoes to market quickly.
Sales Forecast and Market Challenges
But results have been slow, and Nike has forecast a 2% to 4% drop in sales in the current quarter. China, its primary trouble spot, is expected to fall 20% in the quarter, Nike has said.
Strategic Changes and Future Plans
The layoffs will allow Nike to better integrate its supply chains for materials, footwear and apparel, and focus its technology operations in two main hubs - its Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters, and the Nike India Technology Center - according to Alagirisamy's memo.
Converse Brand Adjustments
Nike will move some manufacturing operations for its struggling Converse brand closer to Nike's factory partners, to "better support the brand’s needs going forward," Alagirisamy said.
Previous Layoffs and Automation Efforts
Nike has conducted several rounds of layoffs in recent years, most recently axing 775 jobs to speed up automation.
(Reporting by Koyena Das in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore, Rod Nickel)
Key Takeaways
- •The reduction of about 1,400 roles targets Nike’s global operations teams across key regions to enhance profitability and streamline operations.
- •These cuts follow earlier job reductions, including 775 roles at U.S. distribution centers aimed at accelerating automation and recovery of shrinking operating margins. (tikr.com)
- •Nike’s recent financial results show modest revenue growth but significant profit pressure: Q2 fiscal 2026 net income fell 32%, as gross margins declined amid a challenging retail environment. (investors.nike.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Nike to cut around 1,400 jobs in efficiency push
1How many jobs is Nike cutting worldwide?
Nike is cutting approximately 1,400 jobs across its global operations team.
2Which regions are most affected by Nike's job cuts?
The job reductions will mainly affect North America, Asia, and Europe.
3Why is Nike reducing its workforce?
Nike aims to boost profits and improve efficiency as it works to regain its position in the sportswear market.
4What percentage of Nike's global workforce is affected?
The layoffs account for less than 2% of Nike’s global workforce.
