Calvin Klein owner PVH to cut 450 jobs in North America, shut 162 outlets
CGTN
Logo of Calvin Klein watches is seen at the Baselworld watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland, March 26, 2018. /Reuters

Logo of Calvin Klein watches is seen at the Baselworld watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland, March 26, 2018. /Reuters

PVH Corp said on Tuesday it would cut 450 jobs in North America and shutter 162 retail stores of its business that houses brands such as Van Heusen and IZOD, as the coronavirus crisis wreaks havoc on the apparel industry.

The Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein owner said the layoffs, affecting 12 percent of its office workforce, would impact three brands and save about 80 million U.S. dollars annually.

"The COVID-19 crisis is dramatically reshaping the retail landscape in ways that we believe will be long-term in nature and far-reaching in terms of consumer purchasing behavior," President Stefan Larsson said.

PVH estimated pre-tax charges of about 80 million U.S. dollars over the next 12 months from costs associated with the exit of its heritage brand retail business, which sells the three brands and accounted for 2.6 percent of its overall revenue in 2019.

"Overall, we see this as a positive development for PVH as the company exits a declining business and reduces costs," Bernstein analyst Jamie Merriman said.

Spain's Zara, Nordstrom and Bath & Body Works have also closed stores in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency