Iconic Texas Blue Collar Retailer Dickies to Leave HQ for California After 100 Years
In a shocking move, Dickies, a renowned Texas-based blue collar retailer, is leaving its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, after over 100 years. The company will relocate to Orange County, California, joining sister company Vans. The move is expected to impact about 120 employees and be completed by May 2025. The company’s Fort Worth distribution center, warehouse, and retail locations will remain open.
According to a Fort Worth economic development department spokesperson, Dickies’ parent company, VF Corp, did not consult with the city or partners before making the decision. The spokesperson emphasized that the move was made by VF Corp as part of their current corporate structure.
The company’s shift to California is a departure from other companies that have chosen to leave the Golden State due to high taxes. However, Dickies’ parent company, VF Corp, has declared that the move will “help revitalize Dickies so we can carry on the brand’s heritage for years to come.”
The company’s CEO, Bracken Darrell, has been focused on lowering costs, strengthening the company’s balance sheet, and improving its US sales. The move is part of a broader plan to cut $300 million in costs by the end of 2025.
Despite the relocation, Dickies plans to maintain a strong employment presence in Fort Worth, with employees working at warehouses throughout the Metroplex. The company’s financial struggles have been evident, with S&P Global downgrading VF’s credit rating to junk status due to ongoing revenue declines in its top four brands, including Dickies. However, the company remains optimistic about its future, citing the potential for “creativity and best practice sharing” by combining forces with Vans in California.