News Summary
Russell Brands LLC has announced the closure of its distribution operations in Alexander City, Alabama, effective September 29, 2025. This decision will result in nearly 80 job losses, following a WARN notice filed on August 1, 2025. The company, part of the Fruit of the Loom brand, has historically impacted the local economy, but ongoing job losses indicate broader economic challenges in the region. Mayor Woody Baird expressed concern while highlighting available opportunities in construction.
Alabama is set to experience job losses as Russell Brands LLC has announced the closure of part of its distribution operations in Alexander City. The shutdown will take place on September 29, 2025, leading to nearly 80 employees losing their jobs. This decision comes following a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice that was filed on August 1, 2025, providing advance notice of significant layoffs.
A letter detailing the closure was sent to the mayor of Alexander City on July 31, 2025, indicating that while the apparel distribution business is moving out of the city, Spalding distribution will continue to operate. Russell Brands, which is part of the Fruit of the Loom brand, has made a significant impact in the clothing industry since its establishment as Russell Manufacturing Company in 1902.
Russell Brands is known as a pioneer in the development of the sweatshirt, which originated from an innovative idea proposed by founder Ben Russell’s son, Benny, in 1926. His suggestion to create an all-cotton football jersey to replace wool uniforms led to production starting in 1930. The company eventually expanded its footprint, manufacturing sportswear across the Southern United States, Latin America, and Scotland.
However, the company discontinued the production of team uniforms in 2017, marking a notable shift in its operations. The upcoming closure of the Alexander City distribution center is a blow to the local economy, particularly as the area is grappling with increasing job losses. In fact, Alabama has seen over 3,000 employees affected by mass layoffs or closures in 2025, exceeding the total from the previous year. Earlier this year, Vanity Fair also closed its Monroeville warehouse, resulting in nearly 160 job cuts.
While the job losses at Russell Brands reflect broader trends of economic challenges in the region, Mayor Woody Baird expressed his sorrow over the situation. However, he noted that there are still job opportunities available in construction within Alexander City. Prior to its acquisition by Fruit of the Loom in 2006, Russell Athletic was a major employer in the area, with about 5,000 workers, accounting for nearly one-third of the city’s population at the time.
Currently, the city is actively seeking new employers to fill vacancies left in other old Russell facilities as the local workforce continues to face challenges. Despite the adverse impact of the distribution center closure, the Alabama Department of Commerce has made WARN notices publicly accessible to keep communities informed about upcoming job cuts.
The lack of comment from Russell Brands or Fruit of the Loom regarding the closure or the fate of affected employees has left many in the community concerned about the future of local employment. As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of the closure will likely extend beyond the immediate job losses, affecting families and the economy in Alexander City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WSFA: Layoffs Announced at Russell Brands Distribution Center
- Wikipedia: Russell Obtained Company
- Montgomery Advertiser: Russell Brands Distribution Center to Close
- Google Search: Russell Brands closure
- CBS 42: Russell Brands Distribution Center Closing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Russell Brands
- AL.com: Alabama Sports Clothing Brand Closing
- Google News: Alabama job losses
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
