JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville-founded sports merchandising company Fanatics Inc. will close its fulfillment center in the Paxon neighborhood in August, affecting more than 200 employees.
Fanatics issued a notice to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and City Council President Ron Salem under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act ("WARN") on Thursday, saying it will permanently close its fulfillment center at 5245 Commonwealth Ave. on Aug. 1.
The company attributed the center's closing to the aging facility and the want to better serve fans all over the world through its online service.
"In looking at our current real estate portfolio, our Commonwealth Facility in Jacksonville, FL is one of the oldest buildings we operate within. This has resulted in continued challenges as we try to keep it up to date to service the needs of our fans as well as meet new demands," said a Fanatics spokesperson in a statement to First Coast News Sunday.
In the notice, Fanatics said 218 employees will be affected by the center's closure, with terminations taking place starting April 1, and continuing until the center officially closes on Aug. 1.
"Fanatics is eager to facilitate any training or other resources the State Trade and Rapid Response Program makes available to affected employees," Fanatics' notice to WARN states.
The Florida Rapid Response helps workers who have been terminated or laid off quickly re-enter the workforce.
The company added an "appropriate" notice was given to the affected employees, and it will continue working with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fanatics Inc. was founded in 1995, selling sports apparel out of a brick-and-mortar store in the Orange Park Mall.
Statement from Fanatics on closing of Jacksonville center
"At Fanatics, our top priority is delivering a best-in-class experience for our fans and partners. This includes ensuring that all our facilities are best equipped to efficiently and effectively ship our products to fans around the world. In looking at our current real estate portfolio, our Commonwealth Facility in Jacksonville, FL is one of the oldest buildings we operate within. This has resulted in continued challenges as we try to keep it up to date to service the needs of our fans as well as meet new demands. To better service our fans within the Southeastern United States, we will be shifting our fulfilment efforts to newer buildings in and around the region where we have access to updated technology and infrastructure to ensure a better fan experience. We continue to maintain a strong presence in Jacksonville, employing more than 1,500 employees at our corporate offices. In addition, we continue to operate the in-venue retail business for the Jacksonville Jaguars."