VF Corp. said that with economic weakness expected to continue in 2009, a modest number of jobs will be cut across its units. In a statement, the company declined to say how many jobs would be eliminated pending notification of affected employees, but indicated the cuts would be selective and designed to help executives plan for tighter budgets in 2009.


 


The statement came after questions arose around pending job cuts at its jeanswear and services groups, which includes information technology.


 


“Although VF is strong financially and our business and brands are healthy, the external environment is extremely difficult and expected to remain so for 2009,” said VF spokesman Paul Mason. “Like many other companies, several of our business units are responding by taking action to reduce costs. Our jeanswear and services groups, both based in Greensboro, have elected to reduce some positions in Greensboro and elsewhere. These moves, while extremely difficult, are aimed at reducing operating expenses to better position us for success in the coming year and beyond.”


 


In the sporting goods space, VF's brands include The North Face, Vans, Reef, JanSport, Eastpak, Majestic Athletic and Napapijri.