Shiseido Americas Enforces Extensive Layoffs Amidst Sales Decline
Shiseido Americas is enforcing “wide-ranging and significant” layoffs across its US operations in response to a sharp decline in business performance throughout 2024. The 2025 outlook continues to look grim, as stated by interim CEO Alberto Noé.
The Japanese beauty conglomerate, which owns renowned brands such as NARS and Drunk Elephant, employs over 2,000 individuals across facilities in Ohio, Texas, Florida, and Canada. The company reported a disheartening 8.5% decline in net sales for the first quarter of 2025, with Drunk Elephant experiencing a devastating 65% sales drop.
“Shiseido Americas finds itself deeply challenged on multiple fronts. Despite our best efforts and hard work, business performance has declined significantly,” Noé stated in an internal memo leaked on July 16, 2025.
The layoffs are part of a broader wave of restructuring in the beauty industry, following similar moves by other major players. This includes:
- Estée Lauder Companies – 7,000 job cuts
- Coty Inc. – 700 positions eliminated
Source: Business of Fashion