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
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.’
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
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
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.
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