Pip Edwards lays off several of her P.E Nation staff due to ‘challenging market conditions’

Pip Edwards is forced to lay off several of her P.E Nation staff due to ‘challenging market conditions’

Pip Edwards is bracing for challenging times with her activewear label, forcing to lay off several staff.

The P.E Nation co-founder, 43, confirmed on Friday that she and her creative partner Claire Tregoning had last week made six staff redundant.

Speaking to the Saturday Telegraph, Pip issued a statement explaining the ‘reshuffle’ was due to ‘challenging market conditions’ that are taking a toll on the fashion brand.

‘In response to the challenging economic conditions, the board of P.E Nation has implemented measures to streamline and restructure the business,’ she told the publication.

‘Regrettably, this has resulted in the difficult decision to make six staff redundant.’

Pip Edwards (pictured) is bracing for challenging times with her activewear label, forcing to lay off several staff. The P.E Nation co-founder, 43, confirmed on Friday that she and her creative partner Claire Tregoning had last week made six staff redundant

Pip added: ‘These measures align with the overall restructuring efforts, which are necessary to secure the continued growth and success of the business.’

The Sydney socialite launched her activewear label P.E 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 was forced to deny rumours of a falling out with Claire – whose office had been cleared out and turned into a ‘creative space’ following a months-long absence.

Pip launched her activewear label P.E 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

Pip launched her activewear label P.E 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 went on a business trip to the UK together in November 2022, where they promoted their athleisure company, took selfies in London, and lunched with the likes of former foreign minister Julie Bishop.

But Daily Mail Australia revealed there were rumours swirling the deep friendship at the core of the business may have crumbled during their luxury trip away.

A source with knowledge of the company’s internal dealings alleged: ‘Pip and Claire have had a falling out.’

Edwards posted photos from inside P.E Nation headquarters in Sydney

Pictured: Edwards' photo from P.E Nation headquarters

Pip was forced to deny rumours of a falling out with Claire – whose office had been cleared out and turned into a ‘creative space’ following a months-long absence. Edwards posted photos from inside P.E Nation headquarters in Sydney (pictured)

Pip Edwards (right) and Claire Tregoning (left) went on a business trip to the UK together in November 2022, where they promoted their athleisure company and took selfies in London

Pip Edwards (right) and Claire Tregoning (left) went on a business trip to the UK together in November 2022, where they promoted their athleisure company and took selfies in London

The source said Tregoning took one month off in December, extended her break for another month in January, and then opted for another three months’ leave.

Her office in the company’s Sydney headquarters has now been cleared and repurposed as a ‘creative room’.

A P.E Nation spokeswoman denied that the pair are feuding, insisting they remain ‘committed and collaborative business partners’.

‘Claire is taking some well-earned time off and remains an important part of P.E Nation,’ the spokeswoman said. ‘(She) is taking a well-earned sabbatical for a few months.’

Pip issued a statement this week explaining the 'reshuffle' in her company was due to 'challenging market conditions' that are taking a toll on the fashion brand

Pip issued a statement this week explaining the ‘reshuffle’ in her company was due to ‘challenging market conditions’ that are taking a toll on the fashion brand

Tregoning reiterated the message when contacted for comment, adding: ‘The business and Pip have both been great supporters of my sabbatical and I am grateful to have this time off with my family.’

She did not respond to questions about her office at headquarters being cleared out, however the P.E Nation spokeswoman admitted it has been repurposed for the duration of her absence.

‘Whilst Claire is not in the office, we are using her office space for other purposes, including a meeting and creative room,’ they said.

THE RISE AND RISE OF P.E NATION

Pip Edwards and business partner Claire Tregoning’s luxe fashion label – named after Ms Edwards – appeared to hit its stride since taking Australia’s fashion scene by storm in 2016. 

It made huge online sales within the first seven years and the company’s activewear was enormously popular during the Covid pandemic. 

The duo decided to expand in May this year by opening their first brick-and-mortar store, in The Galeries on Sydney’s George Street.

The shop is designed by a architect and features bespoke lights, sculptures and furniture by local designers.

According to the company website, P.E Nation ‘was born from a universal need for multi-faceted active wear, given the global shift towards juggling a fast pace life’. 

Sports bras and leggings sell for about $120, leggings go for $229, jumpers are priced at $180, and puffer jackets are sold for $329.

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