Canada Goose laying off 17% of workforce

Canada Goose has announced it is reducing its workforce count by 17%.

The layoffs come after the company conducted a comprehensive review of its organizational structure and the roles needed to achieve its “strategic objectives,” said the employer. 

“We are realigning our teams to ensure that corporate resources are fit for purpose to fuel our next phase of growth across geographies, categories, and channels,” said Dani Reiss, chairman and CEO.

“We are focused on achieving efficiency and margin expansion, while investing in key initiatives – brand, design and best-in-class operations – that will powerfully position our iconic performance luxury brand to deliver long-term growth.”

These objectives will yield immediate cost savings, simplify organizational structure, accelerate decision making and increase efficiencies across the company’s operating platform, Canada Goose said.

Moving forward, Canada Goose’s cross-functional teams will be integrated, and business activities will be aligned to a go-forward strategy, said the company.

Recently, the Body Shop announced it would be closing one-third of its stores in Canada.

Canada Goose had 4,760 staff in April 2023, CTV News reported, citing data from financial markets firm Refinitiv.

“While the decision to reduce our workforce was difficult, it was the right decision to put our business in the best position for the future,” said Reiss.

“To those employees who are leaving us, thank you for choosing to spend part of your career at Canada Goose. I am personally grateful to each and every one of you and for the contributions you have made during your time with us.”

At the height of the pandemic, the CEO of Canada Goose was among several Canadian leaders who agreed to forego 100 per cent of their salaries for varying periods of time.