Canadian jobs go
01/08/2008
Robeez, a unit of Stride Rite and part of the Collective Brands group that makes soft-sole footwear for infants and toddlers up to two years old, has announced plans to move its brand management, product development and marketing operations from Canada to the headquarters of the Stride Rite Children's Group in Lexington, Massachusetts. At the same time, the Robeez customer service operations will move to an existing Stride Rite call centre in Richmond, Indiana.
This will result in the closing of the Robeez headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia. The plan also includes closing down the brand's manufacturing facility in Burnaby and moving all product manufacturing to third-party manufacturers.
Collective Brands has confirmed that 310 jobs at Robeez in Canada are likely to be affected by these moves.
"This strategic plan is the result of a thorough eight-month study to review the Robeez infrastructure to best support our customers, maintain competitiveness and profitably grow the business over the long term," said Susan Vann, general manager of Robeez North America. "We have reported to the Stride Rite Children's Group for the past year and these moves make sound business sense and will better position Robeez for a strong future."
Pam Salkovitz, president of the Stride Rite Children's Group said: "We truly appreciate all the hard work and efforts of the local team that helped bring Robeez to where it is today. These decisions are an important strategic step to leverage the common infrastructure and expertise of the Stride Rite Children's Group and to enhance the Robeez manufacturing capabilities to seize the opportunities before us - especially as we expand Robeez into new global markets and drive product innovation for future growth."
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