Nike is laying off 775 employees at U.S. distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi as part of its automation and supply chain consolidation strategy, and this guide provides practical support for affected workers navigating severance, unemployment, and their next career move.
Nike will lay off 775 distribution center employees in 2026, mainly in Tennessee and Mississippi, as automation expands, supply chains consolidate, and workforce reductions continue for a third year.
Nike announced in January 2026 that it will lay off 775 employees, primarily at its distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi. The company says the cuts are designed to "strengthen and streamline" operations as it accelerates automation and consolidates its supply chain footprint. This is the third consecutive year Nike has announced significant workforce reductions.
If you were laid off from Nike, you may be dealing with shock, uncertainty, and urgent questions about money, healthcare, and what comes next. This guide walks through what the layoffs mean, what to do in your first 72 hours, and how to turn a forced transition into your next opportunity.
Being laid off is disorienting, even if you saw signs it was coming. Shock, anger, frustration, or even relief are all normal responses. If possible, avoid major financial decisions in the first 24 to 48 hours. Focus first on securing your documentation and understanding your benefits.
Nike is cutting 775 jobs at its U.S. distribution centers as part of what the company calls its "Win Now" strategy. The layoffs primarily affect warehouse and fulfillment roles in Tennessee and Mississippi, where Nike operates major distribution hubs. Five of Nike's eight distribution centers are located in the Memphis area, making it one of the company's largest employment centers.
The company says the cuts are intended to reduce complexity, improve flexibility, and build a more responsive supply chain. Nike is accelerating its use of advanced technology and automation at these facilities, a trend that has affected distribution jobs across corporate America. UPS announced plans to cut 48,000 roles in 2025, partly due to increased automation at its facilities.
This is the third year in a row that Nike has cut jobs:
The layoffs come as CEO Elliott Hill works to turn around Nike following years of slowing sales and shrinking margins. The company reported a 32% drop in net profit in its most recent quarterly results, affected by tariffs, restructuring costs, and slowing demand in China.
Nike has not disclosed a detailed timeline for the layoffs, which specific facilities are affected, or how many total workers it employs at U.S. distribution centers. If you are affected, rely on your termination letter, HR contacts, and any official company communications for specifics about your situation rather than news reports.
The first few days after losing your job are about securing what you need and giving yourself space to process. Resist the urge to make major decisions immediately. Instead, focus on the practical tasks that protect your interests.
Make sure you have clear documentation of your employment status. Save all HR emails, termination letters, and any official communications in a safe folder outside your Nike email, which you will likely lose access to soon.
If anything is unclear about whether you have been terminated, offered redeployment to another role, or placed on reduced hours, ask your manager or HR representative to confirm in writing.
Review your final paycheck and understand what you are owed:
If Nike offers a severance package, read all documents carefully before signing. Pay attention to:
You typically have time to review severance agreements. Do not sign under pressure. If you have significant tenure, equity, or concerns about the terms, consider consulting an employment attorney. Many offer free initial consultations.
If you suspect discrimination, wrongful termination, or if your severance terms seem unfair compared to what you expected, consult an employment lawyer before signing anything. Many employment attorneys offer free initial consultations and can advise whether your situation warrants further review.
If you are working in the United States on an H-1B or other work visa, you typically have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer your visa, or change status. This timeline is strict. Consider speaking with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and deadlines.
You do not have to wait for your severance to end before stabilizing your financial situation. Understanding your options for unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, and financial planning helps you make informed decisions.
Rules vary by state, but the general approach is similar across the U.S.:
Tennessee: Apply for unemployment benefits through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at jobs4tn.gov. You will need your Social Security number, employment history, and information about your severance.
Mississippi: Apply through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security at mdes.ms.gov. Have your employment dates, earnings information, and reason for separation ready.
In most states, you can apply as soon as your employment ends. There may be a waiting period before benefits begin, and receiving severance may affect the timing of your benefits. Check your state's specific rules about how severance interacts with unemployment eligibility.
When your Nike employment ends, you typically have several options for health coverage:
Confirm exactly when your Nike health benefits end and make coverage decisions before that date to avoid any gap.
If you received Nike stock options or RSUs, your termination triggers important deadlines:
Mass layoffs at large, well-known companies are widely understood by hiring managers and recruiters. You do not need to over-explain or apologize for being part of a restructuring.
Use a neutral, factual end date for your Nike role. You do not need to label it as "laid off" on your resume. Focus your bullet points on what you accomplished, not why you left.
Structure your Nike experience with quantifiable outcomes:
Avoid copying internal Nike performance language or jargon. Translate your experience into market-friendly terms that recruiters outside Nike will understand.
Add a short "Key Achievements" subsection under your Nike role highlighting three to five metrics relevant to your target roles. For distribution and operations roles, focus on inventory turns, fulfillment speed, cost per shipment, on-time delivery, and safety metrics.
Update your LinkedIn headline to signal both your expertise and that you are open to new opportunities:
"Distribution Operations Leader | Supply Chain & Logistics | Open to New Opportunities"
"Warehouse Supervisor | Fulfillment & Inventory Management | Seeking Next Role"
In your About section, briefly acknowledge the layoff and pivot to your strengths:
"After [X] years at Nike's distribution operations, my role was eliminated as part of the company's 2026 supply chain consolidation. I'm proud of the work I did improving [specific achievement]. I'm now exploring opportunities where I can apply my experience in operations, logistics, and team leadership."
For detailed guidance on optimizing your LinkedIn presence, see our guide on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile using your resume.
Keep your explanation short, factual, and neutral:
"Nike announced a supply chain consolidation in January 2026, accelerating automation at their distribution centers. My role was part of that restructuring. I'm proud of what I accomplished there, especially [brief highlight]. I'm now looking for roles where I can bring that experience to [target area]."
Then redirect to your skills, accomplishments, and what you bring to the role you are discussing.
Nike distribution center experience translates well to a wide range of operations, logistics, and supply chain roles across industries. The key is framing your experience in terms that resonate outside of footwear and apparel.
Depending on your role at Nike, target positions might include:
Nike distribution experience is valued across many sectors:
When writing your resume and talking to recruiters, translate Nike-specific systems and acronyms into generic equivalents:
Emphasize transferable skills: process improvement, team leadership, safety management, inventory accuracy, and working under pressure in high-volume environments.
If translating your Nike experience into clear, employer-ready resumes feels overwhelming, Yotru's resume builder is designed to help with exactly this task.
The process is straightforward:
Build your next resume with Yotru. Turn your Nike experience into a clear, ATS-ready story that recruiters understand in seconds.
Create two resume versions: one optimized for distribution and operations roles similar to your Nike position, and one for adjacent career paths you might explore (such as project management, quality assurance, or supply chain analytics). Having both ready saves time when opportunities appear.
Layoffs affect more than your paycheck. They disrupt routines, professional identity, and relationships built over years. Finding support and staying connected makes a meaningful difference during this transition.
Multiple rounds of layoffs at large companies like Nike reflect structural industry changes, not individual performance issues. Automation is transforming distribution and logistics jobs across corporate America. Being part of a workforce reduction does not mean you did anything wrong.
Reach out to former Nike colleagues who may have leads or connections at other companies. Join local logistics and operations communities in Tennessee, Mississippi, or wherever you are located. Let your network know you are open to opportunities and be specific about the types of roles you are seeking.
A simple outreach message:
"I was recently impacted by Nike's January 2026 distribution center consolidation. I'm looking for roles in [operations/logistics/warehouse management] at [types of companies]. If you hear of anything relevant or can recommend people I should talk to, I'd appreciate it."
Structure helps during uncertain times. Consider organizing your transition in phases:
Many resources are available to support your job search:
If you are struggling emotionally, reach out for support. Job loss is a significant life event, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Many communities offer free counseling services, and your state's workforce programs may include access to career counseling and mental health resources.
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Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Yes. Nike announced in January 2026 that it will cut 775 jobs, primarily at distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi. The company says the layoffs are part of its supply chain consolidation and automation strategy.
This article is written for Nike employees who have been laid off or notified of potential layoff as part of the January 2026 distribution center consolidation. It provides practical, step-by-step guidance on navigating severance, unemployment benefits, and the job search process, with a focus on helping readers make informed decisions during a stressful transition.
Yotru content is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy, relevance, and currency. We prioritize neutral, evidence-based guidance and avoid promotional language or outcome guarantees. Our editorial standards require verification from authoritative sources and regular updates as new information becomes available.
This article draws on publicly available reporting about Nike's January 2026 layoffs, general guidance on employment law and severance practices, and Yotru's research on job search strategy and resume optimization for operations and logistics professionals. We rely on authoritative sources including company statements, established media coverage, and government employment resources.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or career advice. Outcomes vary by individual circumstances, employer practices, and state regulations. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
Layoff Support and Job Search Strategy
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