Carter’s Plans to Lay Off 15% of Staff as a Crutch Against Impact of Tariffs

Core Insights - Carter's is experiencing significant turmoil due to tariffs, with expectations of continued challenges into 2026 [1] - The company reported a drastic decline in net income, down approximately 80% year-on-year to $11.6 million for Q3 2024, compared to $58.3 million in 2023 [1] Cost-Saving Measures - As part of its transformation under CEO Douglas Palladini, Carter's plans to save about $45 million annually starting in 2026, primarily by eliminating 15% of corporate roles [2] - Approximately 300 employees will be laid off by the end of the year, expected to save the company $35 million annually [3] Store Closures - Carter's plans to close 150 stores across North America by 2026, increasing from an earlier plan to close 100 stores, which accounted for about $110 million in revenue over the past year [4] - The company will halt further store expansion as part of its cost-saving strategy [4] Long-Term Strategy - CEO Palladini emphasized that while store closures will lead to short-term revenue loss, there will be long-term benefits through digital platforms and existing stores [5] - Carter's aims to reduce its overall product assortment by 20 to 30% to enhance agility in responding to market challenges [6]