Highsnobiety

Highsnobiety, a Berlin-based streetwear and youth culture media platform owned by German e-commerce giant Zalando, laid off 24 employees last week, representing about 10 percent of its workforce. The company cited unfavorable economic conditions and the need for cost-cutting measures as reasons for the reduction. Acquired by Zalando in June 2022, Highsnobiety operates in the fashion and lifestyle media industry, having evolved from a sneaker blog into a broader publisher. The layoffs reflect broader challenges in the digital media and retail sectors amid economic pressures.

In April 2020, streetwear and media publisher Highsnobiety laid off 25% of its workforce, totaling 51 employees, as the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted its operations. The cuts, affecting 38 staff in Berlin and 13 in the U.S., included the closure of its commerce division. Founder David Fischer cited the crisis's devastating effects, noting that cost-saving measures were insufficient, and the commerce model became unsustainable as brands halted shipping and production. The 15-year-old company, which had invested in direct-to-consumer product creation, was forced to reimagine its business amid supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer demand.