Brands
Nike to lay off 775 employees
MUMBAI: Nike is trimming muscle. The world’s biggest sportswear brand is laying off around 775 employees as it steps up automation and pares back costs in a renewed push for profitability.
The cuts will largely hit distribution-centre roles in Tennessee and Mississippi, where Nike runs major warehouse operations, according to a Reuters report. The move is part of a wider restructuring as the company tries to streamline its supply chain and reignite growth after a prolonged slowdown.
In a statement, Nike said the workforce reduction is designed to “reduce complexity, improve organisational flexibility, and support our path to profitable growth”.
The job losses are the latest in a series of retrenchments. In August 2025, Nike cut about 1 per cent of its corporate workforce as part of a turnaround drive under chief executive Elliott Hill, who took the helm in 2024. The brand has been struggling to regain momentum in a market crowded with nimbler rivals and shifting consumer tastes.
Pressure is coming from several fronts. In the second quarter, Nike flagged stress on gross margins as demand weakened in China and the company worked through a reset of its product mix. Sales in China slumped 17 per cent, marking the sixth straight quarterly decline in the key market.
Tariffs are biting too. Matthew Friend, chief financial officer, has warned that US tariffs on Southeast Asian countries—where Nike manufactures much of its footwear and apparel—are expected to cost the company $1.5 billion in 2025, calling them “a significant headwind”.
The numbers underline the strain. Nike posted second-quarter revenue of $12.43 billion, while net income fell 32 per cent year on year. As of May 2025, the company employed about 77,800 people worldwide, including retail and part-time staff.
Under Hill, Nike is doubling down on its roots—pouring investment into core sneaker franchises, refocusing on performance-led sports such as running and football, and reshaping how products are made and moved.
Fewer hands, more machines—and a hard sprint to stay ahead.
Brands
Kingfisher bets big on music culture with Karan Aujla’s 2026 India tour
Water Partners with Karan Aujla for P POP Culture India Tour 2026
MUMBAI: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water from United Breweries Limited, part of the Heineken Company, has announced its association as the co-presenting partner of Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour 2026. The collaboration places music and culture at the centre of the brand’s iconic “Good Times” philosophy, integrating the brand seamlessly into one of the most dynamic live music movements in the country.
As co-presenting partner, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water will play a significant role across the tour’s on-ground and digital ecosystem, creating immersive consumer experiences and driving meaningful engagement at every touchpoint. The partnership is designed to strengthen the brand’s cultural relevance among young and expressive audiences who see music as a core part of their identity and celebrations.
At the heart of the association is a series of three brand films featuring Karan Aujla, where the global music artist reimagines Kingfisher’s iconic “Oo La La La Le O” jingle across Afro, Punjabi and Funk genres. The Afro-inspired film sets a relaxed jam-session tone, with Aujla warming up, finding his rhythm and delivering a smooth rendition that builds anticipation. The Punjabi version draws from his cultural roots, transforming the jingle into a high-energy Punjabi pop track marked by confidence and commanding stage presence. The Funk interpretation introduces a playful yet bold edge, driven by contemporary beats and groove-led production that highlights his versatility while amplifying the epic Good Times spirit. Together, the films blend spontaneous performance moments with music-led storytelling, reinforcing Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water’s long-standing association with celebration and culture.
Commenting on the partnership, United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl, said that music remains a powerful cultural connector and a core passion point for consumers. He noted that the brand has always focused on creating moments that bring people together, and reimagining the iconic jingle across diverse musical styles offers a fresh expression of the Good Times philosophy. He added that the association with Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour enables the brand to embed itself authentically within one of the most exciting music movements in India today.
Expressing his excitement, Karan Aujla said that partnering with Kingfisher felt like destiny, as music and celebration are deeply embedded in both their identities. He described reinterpreting “Oo La La La Le O” across different genres as a creative high, allowing him to respect the legacy of the iconic tune while infusing it with his own energy and contemporary sound. He emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond a remake, presenting a fresh vibe that audiences can experience live as the tour travels across cities.
The P POP Culture India Tour 2026 will roll out across major cultural hubs including Delhi on 28 February, Mumbai and Pune on 3 March, Chandigarh on 14 March, Indore on 21 March, Bengaluru on 29 March, Kolkata on 3 April, Jaipur on 5 April and Lucknow on 10 April. At every stop, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water aims to deliver its signature Good Times experience, celebrating creativity, community and unforgettable shared moments.
With this partnership, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water continues to strengthen music as a central pillar of its brand identity. Fans can experience the collaboration by watching the brand films across Kingfisher’s official digital and social media platforms.
