J.Crew Restructures Workforce

J.Crew Group (New York) announced that it will be reorganizing and making significant changes to its staff. It has named Somsack Sikhounmuong head of women’s design for the J.Crew brand. Sikhounmuong was previously the head of design for Madewell.

The company is eliminating 175 jobs from its corporate headquarters, which is about 12 percent of the entire headquarters staff. It also will be making changes in store operations, production, sourcing and merchandising to streamline operations and reduce overall expenses. Particular attention will be given to the brand’s fashions for women, including altering the fit, design aesthetic and styling of the products.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the changes are an attempt to revive the J.Crew brand, which has been struggling financially. The brand recently reported a $508.7 million decline in first-quarter sales.