Pip Edwards lays off several of her P.E Nation staff due to ‘challenging market conditions’
Pip Edwards must lay off some of her PE Nation employees due to ‘challenging market conditions’
Pip Edwards prepares for challenging times with her activewear label, forcing her to lay off several employees.
The PE Nation co-founder, 43, confirmed on Friday that she and her creative partner Claire Tregoning had laid off six staff members last week.
Talking to the Saturday TelegraphPip released a statement explaining that the “reshuffle” was due to “challenging market conditions” taking their toll on the fashion brand.
“In response to the challenging economic conditions, PE Nation’s board has taken steps to streamline and restructure the company,” she told the publication.
“Unfortunately, this has resulted in the difficult decision to lay off six employees.”
Pip Edwards (pictured) is preparing for challenging times with her activewear label, which will require her to lay off several staff members. The PE Nation co-founder, 43, confirmed on Friday that she and her creative partner Claire Tregoning had laid off six staff members last week
Pip added: “These measures are in line with the overall restructuring efforts required to secure the company’s continued growth and success.”
The Sydney socialite launched her activewear label PE Nation in 2016 with her friend and business partner Claire, turning it into an international brand sold by 600 individual retailers in 95 countries.
Earlier this year, in March, Pip had to deny rumors of an argument with Claire, whose office had been vacated after months of absence and turned into a “creative space.”
Pip launched her activewear label PE Nation in 2016 with her friend and business partner Claire (right), turning it into an international brand sold by 600 individual retailers in 95 countries
The pair took a business trip to the UK together in November 2022, where they promoted their athleisure company, snapped selfies in London and had lunch with former Foreign Secretary Julie Bishop, among others.
But Daily Mail Australia revealed that rumors had been circulating that the deep friendship at the company’s core may have crumbled during their luxury journey.
A source with knowledge of the company’s internal dealings claimed, “Pip and Claire had a fight.”
Pip had to deny rumors of an argument with Claire, whose office had been vacated after a months-long absence and turned into a “creative space.” Edwards posted photos from PE Nation headquarters in Sydney (pictured)
Pip Edwards (right) and Claire Tregoning (left) went on a business trip to the UK together in November 2022, promoting their athleisure company and taking selfies in London
The source said Tregoning took a month off in December, extended her break for another month in January, and then opted for a further three months leave.
Her office at the company’s Sydney headquarters has now been vacated and set up as a “creative space.”
A spokeswoman for PE Nation denied the pair are arguing, insisting they remain “committed and collaborative business partners.”
“Claire is taking some well-deserved time off and will continue to be an important part of PE Nation,” the spokeswoman said. “(She) is taking a well-earned sabbatical for a few months.”
Pip released a statement this week explaining that the “reshuffle” in her company was due to “challenging market conditions” taking a toll on the fashion brand
Tregoning repeated the message when contacted for comment, adding: “The company and Pip are both very supportive of my sabbatical and I am grateful to have this time off with my family.”
She did not respond to questions about the evacuation of her headquarters office, but the PE Nation spokeswoman admitted that it has been repurposed for the duration of her absence.
“While Claire is out of the office, we use her office space for other purposes, including a meeting and creative space,” they said.