Under Armour raising hourly pay for more than 8,000 employees

The majority of Under Armour’s retail and distribution employees are getting a pay raise.

The athletic apparel and footwear company is increasing its minimum wage to $15 per hour in the United States and Canada. More than 8,000 part-time and full-time employees — representing approximately 90% of Under Armour’s retail and distribution workforce – will see a pay raise starting on June 6.

The increase comes as Under Armour currently has more than 3,000 open roles in its stores and distribution centers. All the new hires will start at a minimum of $15 per hour.  

Under Armour said its pay hike is the first of several steps it will take to retain and attract employees. Other initiatives will include earning and development, and a new incentive plan for hourly workers. 

“We are committed to doing the right thing, and at the center of our commitment is ensuring our teammates feel valued and appreciated,” stated Patrik Frisk, president and CEO of Under Armour.

During the past couple of weeks, retailers and restaurant operators, have announced wage increases and/or bonuses and other incentives as they look to attract workers amid the country’s labor crunch. 

"At Under Armour, direct-to-consumer is one of our biggest growth opportunities and an area that I am proud to oversee," said Stephanie Pugliese, president of the Americas at Under Armour. "Teammates in our retail stores and distribution houses are our strongest asset and we needed to make a strategic decision on our hourly wages to be a competitive employer in the retail space. We're delighted to be able to raise our minimum pay rate and acknowledge the hard work of our frontline teammates in retail and warehouse, particularly over the past year."