Clothing distribution center closing, leading to more than 100 layoffs

TAMPA — Perry Ellis International will lay off 114 people in July when it closes it distribution center on Waters Avenue in Tampa.

The company filed a WARN notice last week and the layoffs appeared on the state’s website Monday. A WARN notice is a required note for layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. 

Chris Grebenc, the company’s human resource chief and who is listed as the contact person in a letter to the state and to the city of Tampa, was not available for comment according to someone in the department.

There were no details available on severance or when employees were notified. A cause for the closing was also not listed.

According to the letter, the center is expected to close July 1.

“The elimination of these positions is expected to be permanent,” Grebene wrote in the letter.

A person answering the phone at the center said a retail store on the site would remain open.

Perry Ellis is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories and fragrances, according to its website.