Nike is eliminating approximately 1,400 positions across its global workforce as the sportswear giant looks to simplify operations during a prolonged period of weak sales.
The reductions, which represent slightly under 2% of its total headcount, will fall predominantly on technology functions spanning North America, Asia and Europe.
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Chief operating officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy indicated in the memo that the reductions will focus on global operations.
The announcement follows the removal of 775 roles in January, a round focused on accelerating automation.
Nike said the cuts aim to help bring together its supply chains for materials, footwear and apparel, while also centralising technology functions into two principal locations: its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, US; and the Nike India Technology Center.
Nike had signalled the possibility of headcount changes in a March SEC filing.
The company continues to face margin pressure as it relies on discounting to work through surplus stock while product launches have delivered mixed results.
One exception has been the Vomero 18, which generated $100m in sales within three months of its introduction last year.
Alagirisamy said: “Teammates whose roles are impacted will hear directly from their leaders and HR partners starting today, and we will work to make sure they have clear information and support through this transition.”
On the trading outlook, Nike anticipates a 2% to 4% sales decline in the current quarter.
China represents its most significant area of weakness, with revenues forecast to drop by around 20% – following a 7% fall to $1.62bn in the most recent period.
Nike linked the ongoing pressure in China to reduced sell-in volumes and efforts to rationalise the marketplace.
Modest growth expected in North America is likely to be cancelled out by declines in Greater China and the Converse segment.
Nike’s announcement is part of a broader pattern of job reductions sweeping the retail sector.
Last month, IKEA’s parent company Ingka Group indicated it would cut around 800 roles from its group functions in a bid to streamline its organisation.
Amazon also scaled back its robotics division as part of a sustained cost-reduction programme.
The move contributed to a total of more than 57,000 corporate positions removed since late 2022, including 16,000 roles cut in January 2026.
Furthermore, eBay announced plans to reduce its global workforce by around 6%, equivalent to 800 jobs, as part of a broader restructuring and cost-cutting effort.
In February, Ocado Group said it would eliminate 1,000 roles and overhaul its technology operations following the closure of several partner fulfilment centres to cut costs and strengthen cash flow.
