Layoffs at Columbia Sportswear, too

[OhioChick]

Source: OregonLive.com

Monday May 19, 2008, 7:07 PM

Columbia Sportswear Co. execs spent the long, sunny weekend in Sunriver trying to impress more than 600 retail representatives from 84 countries with its spring 2009 line of outerwear.

Meanwhile, back around Portland, an undisclosed number of ex-Columbia employees were looking for work.

The Oregonian confirmed today that Columbia has trimmed headcount at its headquarters near Beaverton through layoffs and voluntary buyouts. But company spokesman John Fread won't say how many workers took the buyout offer or were cut in the layoff other than to say the number was not substantial.

Fread said the reductions primarily occurred as part of the company's strategy to grow its brand internationally. But he acknowledged that the slow U.S. economy figured into the decision, too. Columbia, its stock price more than one-third below its 52-week high of $70 on June 1, warned Wall Street last month that its sales and earnings for the rest of the year would be lower than expected.

That economy is starting to gnaw away at the Portland-area's athletic and outdoor cluster. Recall adidas America, Nau and Le Coq Sportif already have shut down or reduced headcount here. And Columbia's decision last month to move its ad account from Portland's Borders Perrin Norrander to a San Francisco-area agency also cost a few local jobs.



Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2008/05/columbia_sportswear_laying_off.html

[Beregond2]

1. I hate to see this at Columbia,

one of the few American-made clothing companies left.

[OhioChick]

3. It's Sad. n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

8. Same here

they made some good stuff. A little more expensive, yes, but worth it.

[Suich]

2. Gert Boyle and her husband Neil,

used to hire me to babysit their two kids, Kathy and Tim, who is now the President and CEO!

It's weird to see them in the commercials!



:)

[awoke_in_2003]

9. "It's weird to see them in the commercials!"

I always felt sorry for the son. In the commercials, he was always field testing the clothing, while his mother (Gert) made sure it was tested properly.

[BryMan]

4. American made and damn good.

Sad to see them taking a hit from this sour economy, they make really good stuff. I and my GF both have many items from them, and it's all quality.

[Straight Shooter]

5. I'm an avid hiker.

If I can find anything for hiking that's a Columbia product, I'll choose it first.

I really hate to hear this bad news. :(

[fortyfeetunder]

6. Sad -- another victim of the economy

Since folks have reduced disposable income, then we are going to see more of this...

[InkAddict]

7. Shhhh....West Coast designer/licensensor of cozy wear

beloved of Oprah claims problems at licensed manufacturer...high-skilled long-term workers on textile production floor get boot. Laid off workers offered no severence; suspect pensions have disappeared.
Likely outsourcing/off-shoring of previously domestic garment production?

[Parche]

10. I Heard Boyles Are Strong Right Wingers

:grr: :grr:

:hi:

[sam sarrha]

11. Sara Lee is go'n to China Too.. New CEO's stupid plan is to be cheapest provider of its products..

bot china is now in stage3 to raise wages and prices, they wont allow the factories shipped there to come back.. he got sold o bridge in the Gobi Desert..we lost jobs, some will lose homes.. insanity