Wisconsin Layoffs Drop 60% in July

Wisconsin Layoffs Drop 60% in July

Wisconsin’s labor market cooled in the right way this summer. The state recorded just 170 job cuts in July, according to the latest WARN filings — a 60% decrease from 419 layoffs in June.

That drop comes even as major companies undergo transitions and retail closures continue to reshape local economies.

Resilient Despite Restructuring

Only five employers filed layoff notices in July, and most were due to business sales, ownership changes, or long-planned closures. A standout case: StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly in Wautoma will let go of 56 employees after being purchased. TouchPoint Services, impacted by the sale of Alexian Village senior living community, will also cut 52 jobs.

These aren’t mass layoffs due to economic collapse—they’re structural shifts in long-standing businesses navigating ownership and operational changes.

U.S. Cellular to T-Mobile — But With a Soft Landing

Wisconsin’s largest corporate move came from U.S. Cellular, which is selling 42 retail stores in the state to T-Mobile as part of a national restructuring.

The good news? Most affected employees are receiving job offers from T-Mobile with comparable compensation and benefits. That kind of employee continuity helped the July layoff numbers stay unusually low, despite the scale of the transaction.

Other Notable Closures

• **CHS Inc.**, a major agricultural supply company, is shutting down its grain terminal in Superior, cutting 25 jobs.

• Krueger’s True Value Hardware, a 159-year-old business, is closing after a failed sale, impacting 37 employees.

While these closures carry a local sting, they represent targeted reductions rather than widespread economic weakness.

Strong Underlying Numbers

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate remains steady at 3.2%, and the state continues to support over 3 million employed workers. That’s consistent with broader Midwest labor stability, where manufacturing, health services, and logistics remain relatively strong.

With companies actively working to retain workers — even during transitions — and new employers entering through acquisitions, the state’s workforce may be better positioned to weather ongoing national economic shifts.

Need help navigating the shifting job market? Start with Metaintro here.